This delicious giada vegetable broth is one of my favorites when i want something quick, easy, and totally delicious. I love how the flavors pop—especially with the sweetness of the fennel bulb and the earthy taste of the carrots.
To make it extra special, i like to serve it with a swirl of creamy yogurt. It’s simple, fun, and always makes me feel like i’m treating myself.
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Recipe Ingredients
- ½ onion, sliced into ¼ inch thick pieces
- 2 tomatoes, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
- 2 celery stalks, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
- ½ fennel bulb, tops and all, cut into 4 wedges
- 15 fresh thyme sprigs
- 8 fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 quarts water
How To Make Giada VEGETABLE BROTH
Sear the Aromatics
- Caramelize the Onion and Tomatoes: Heat a medium pot over medium heat. Place the sliced onion and halved tomatoes, cut side down, in the dry, hot pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is deep golden brown.
Make the Broth
- Add the Remaining Aromatics and Water: Add the smashed garlic, sliced celery, carrots, fennel, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and black peppercorns to the pot. Pour in 2 quarts of water, making sure everyone is covered.
- Simmer and Strain the Broth: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Skim the broth, discarding any impurities that rise to the surface. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook the broth, uncovered, for 1 hour. Remove from the heat and allow the broth to cool slightly for about 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and cool completely.
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Recipe Tips
- Enhancing Aromatics: To intensify the flavor, sauté the onions and garlic for a few minutes longer, allowing them to caramelize slightly, which deepens the broth’s rich flavor profile and adds a hint of sweetness.
- Varying Vegetable Medley: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn to create a visually appealing and harmonious blend, taking advantage of the endless possibilities that different vegetables offer in terms of texture and taste.
- Broth Clarification: For a crystal-clear broth, refrigerate it overnight and skim off any fat that solidifies on the surface, then strain it through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve before serving, which helps maintain its rich flavor and velvety texture.
- Adding Body with Pasta: Turn this broth into a satisfying meal by cooking pasta, such as small noodles or orzo, directly in the broth, which absorbs all the savory flavors and adds a satisfying texture that’s perfect for a light yet filling meal.
- Freezing for Later: To freeze the broth, let it cool first, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible, and store in the freezer for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious homemade broth whenever you need it.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
Can I make this broth in advance?
Yes, you can make and cool this broth up to 3 days ahead and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Can I use low-sodium broth instead of water?
Yes, you can use low-sodium broth, but keep in mind it will affect the overall saltiness of your broth.
Do I have to use fresh thyme and parsley?
No, you can use dried herbs if fresh is not available, but reduce the amount to one-third of the called-for amount.
Can I roast the vegetables instead of searing them?
Yes, roasting the aromatics adds deeper flavor, but the broth’s clarity might be affected, so be sure to strain it well.
Check out More Giada Recipes:
- Giada Chicken Piccata Meatballs
- Giada Roman-Style Fettuccine With Chicken
- Giada Oatmeal With Olive Oil And Oranges
Giada Vegetable Broth
Course: SoupCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes1
hour30
minutes64
kcalThis delicious giada vegetable broth is one of my favorites when i want something quick, easy, and totally delicious. I love how the flavors pop—especially with the sweetness of the fennel bulb and the earthy taste of the carrots.
Ingredients
½ onion, sliced into ¼ inch thick pieces
2 tomatoes, halved
4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
2 celery stalks, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
½ fennel bulb, tops and all, cut into 4 wedges
15 fresh thyme sprigs
8 fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
2 quarts water
Directions
- Sear the Aromatics
- Caramelize the Onion and Tomatoes: Heat a medium pot over medium heat. Place the sliced onion and halved tomatoes, cut side down, in the dry, hot pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is deep golden brown.
- Make the Broth
- Add the Remaining Aromatics and Water: Add the smashed garlic, sliced celery, carrots, fennel, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and black peppercorns to the pot. Pour in 2 quarts of water, making sure everyone is covered.
- Simmer and Strain the Broth: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Skim the broth, discarding any impurities that rise to the surface. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook the broth, uncovered, for 1 hour. Remove from the heat and allow the broth to cool slightly for about 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
8 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories64
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
4g
7%
- Saturated Fat 1g 5%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 106mg 5%
- Total Carbohydrate
145g
49%
- Dietary Fiber 34g 136%
- Sugars 67g
- Protein 22g 44%
* 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.
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