Low Sodium Vegetable Broth

Discover the perfect base for wholesome soups, stews, and sauces with this Low Sodium Vegetable Broth, a healthier twist on a classic kitchen staple. Packed with fresh, aromatic ingredients like carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and parsnips, this broth is gently simmered with parsley, thyme, and bay leaves to create a flavorful yet low-sodium alternative to store-bought options. Optional additions like mushrooms and tomato paste elevate the depth with subtle umami undertones, making it a versatile choice for any recipe. Simple to prepare and freezer-friendly, this homemade vegetable broth is ideal for health-conscious cooks who want to control sodium levels without sacrificing taste. Whether used as a soup base or a standalone sipper, this nutrient-rich broth is as nourishing as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 medium Carrots
• 3 large Celery stalks
• 2 medium Yellow onion
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1 large Parsnip
• 1 bunch Fresh parsley
• 6 sprigs Fresh thyme
• 2 leaves Bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
• 12 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste (optional, for added richness)
• 1 cup Mushrooms (optional, for umami flavor)

Directions

Step 1

Wash all vegetables thoroughly to remove dirt and grit.

Step 2

Peel the carrots, onion, and parsnip (if desired), and roughly chop them along with the celery. There’s no need for precision since everything will be strained later.

Step 3

Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife to release their flavor. No need to peel them.

Step 4

In a large stockpot, add the chopped vegetables, garlic, parsley, thyme, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and any optional ingredients (tomato paste or mushrooms).

Step 5

Pour in 12 cups of water, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 7

After simmering, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

Step 8

Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or another pot, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

Step 9

Discard the vegetables and herbs, as they will have given their flavor to the broth.

Step 10

Taste the broth. If desired, add a pinch of low-sodium seasoning or lemon juice for brightness instead of salt.

Step 11

Store the broth in airtight containers or jars. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3715.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	388.2

Total Fat 2.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 417.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 87.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.3g	0%
Total Sugars 34.2g
Protein 11.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 563.7mg	0%
Iron 7.2mg	0%
Potassium 2749.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 5.1%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 83.6%