Servings: 6 cups

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp. coconut oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 stalks celery, including some leaves
• 2 large carrots
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 sprigs fresh parsley
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 quarts water

INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Chop Veggies: Begin by chopping the onion, scallions, celery, carrots, garlic, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves into small chunks.
2. Saute Vegetables: Heat the coconut oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, scallions, celery, carrots, garlic, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Cook the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Water and Salt: Pour the 2 quarts of water into the pot and add the salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer: Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
5. Strain: After simmering, remove the soup from heat and strain the liquid to separate it from the cooked vegetables and herbs. This will yield a flavorful broth.
6. Optional Ingredients: For additional flavor and variety, consider adding broccoli stalks or celery root to the soup during the simmering process.

Allergies:

• SF (Shellfish-Free)
• GF (Gluten-Free)
• DF (Dairy-Free)
• EF (Egg-Free)
• V (Vegan)
• NF (Nut-Free)

Variations of Vegetable Broth:

1. Mushroom Broth: Add a handful of dried or fresh mushrooms to the vegetable broth while simmering. Mushrooms add a rich umami flavor to the broth.
2. Tomato Broth: Include a few ripe tomatoes in the vegetable mix for a tomato-based broth. Roast the tomatoes before adding them to enhance the flavor.
3. Spicy Broth: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, a sliced jalapeño, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth while simmering.
4. Asian-Inspired Broth: Add ginger slices, lemongrass, and a splash of soy sauce or tamari for an Asian-inspired vegetable broth.
5. Herb-Infused Broth: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or dill to give the broth a unique herbal twist.
6. Root Vegetable Broth: Instead of or in addition to the carrots, include root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a heartier flavor.
7. Lemon and Herb Broth: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint to create a zesty and fragrant vegetable broth.
8. Vegan “Chicken” Broth: For a chicken-like flavor, add nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, and a pinch of turmeric to mimic the taste of traditional chicken broth.
9. Savory Umami Broth: Enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of soy sauce, miso paste, or seaweed (kombu or nori) to the vegetable mix.
10. Coconut Curry Broth: Create a flavorful coconut curry broth by adding coconut milk, curry powder, and a touch of red curry paste to the vegetable broth.
11. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for some heat and a spicy kick.
12. Creamy Option: For a creamier version, stir in some coconut milk or almond milk after straining the soup. This will add a luscious texture and a hint of nutty flavor.