Super Easy Scratch made Chicken Broth
Notes
Making chicken broth from scratch offers several advantages compared to store-bought versions. Below are a few reasons why making broth from scratch is very beneficial:
1. Flavor: Homemade broth has a richer and more complex flavor than store-bought options. You can add a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables to enhance the taste and create a broth that complements your dishes perfectly. When you make broth from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients and can customize the flavors to your liking.
2. Quality and Nutrition: Making broth from scratch allows you to choose high-quality ingredients. You can use organic or pasture-raised chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs, ensuring that you control the components’ quality and freshness. Also, homemade broth typically contains fewer preservatives, additives, and sodium than store-bought versions, making it healthier.
3. Customization: Homemade broth offers endless possibilities for customization. You can adjust the ingredients and seasonings based on your preferences and dietary restrictions. For example, you can make a gluten-free or low-sodium broth by omitting certain ingredients or reducing the amount of salt. This flexibility allows you to tailor the broth to your specific needs.
4. Cost-effective: Making broth from scratch can be cost-effective, especially if you use leftover chicken bones roasted or vegetable end scraps that would otherwise be discarded. It’s a perfect way to up the value of your ingredients and reduce food waste.
5. Control over Ingredients: You control the ingredients used by making broth at home. This control ensures you know exactly what goes into your broth and can make healthier choices. You can avoid additives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium that are often found in store-bought broths.
6. Satisfaction and Connection: Creating something from scratch creates a sense of satisfaction and connection. Making your broth allows you to connect with the cooking process, appreciate the time and effort invested, and take pride in the final product.
Here’s a basic recipe to help you make chicken broth:
Ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, preferably organic
- 4 medium white onions
- 6 large carrots
- 2 Leeks
- 4 celery stalks
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp. of whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme
- Salt to taste
- Filtered Water, enough to cover ingredients
Instructions
- Start by cleaning the chicken. Remove any giblets or excess fat from the cavity.
- Place your whole chicken, chopped and cleaned vegetables, and herbs in a large stock pot.
- Add the pot’s vegetables, garlic, pepper, bay leaves, and fresh herbs.
- Fill the pot with cold filtered water covering the chicken and vegetables. Ensure enough room at the top for the broth to cook without overflowing.
- Next, put the pot on the stove over medium-high until it begins to boil.
- Once boiling starts, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, skimming off any foam and/or impurities with a metal spoon.
- Allow broth to simmer for at least 2-3 hours. Remember to check it often, but thee longer it simmers, the more flavorful your broth will become.
- Once simmering is complete, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely.
- Drain ingredients into another pot or a large bowl using a strainer or fine mesh. You may discard everything but the chicken.
- Salt and pepper as needed to add more flavor.
- Let the broth cool completely before refrigerating it overnight in an airtight container.
- When ready to use, reheat and add to your favorite recipes.
- Your delicious chicken broth can be used in pasta dishes, soups, or as a base liquid for any dish that calls for a broth. This broth may be refrigerator for up to 4 days or placed in freezer in small containers for longer periods.
- Note: You can customize your chicken broth by adding different vegetables and herbs according to your taste.