February 1, 2025

Homemade Vegetable Broth Cubes

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If you love homemade, plant-based recipes, you know that vegetable broth is a crucial base for soups, stews, risottos, sauces, and more. However, store-bought vegetable broth can sometimes be filled with artificial preservatives and additives. That’s where homemade vegetable broth cubes come in! These easy-to-make cubes are packed with fresh vegetables and spices, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of making homemade vegetable broth cubes, highlight the reasons why you’ll love this recipe, and provide tips for making the perfect cubes every time. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting your culinary journey, these broth cubes are a game changer in your kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Homemade Vegetable Broth Cubes Recipe

Homemade vegetable broth cubes are a perfect addition to any plant-based kitchen. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

All-Natural Ingredients – Unlike store-bought vegetable broth cubes, which may contain added preservatives, artificial flavors, or MSG, these cubes are made with fresh, natural ingredients. The base of the broth is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables such as carrots, leek, onion, garlic, and celery.

Convenience and Flavor – Once you’ve made a batch of these cubes, you’ll have them on hand whenever you need a savory boost. Just pop one into your soup or sauce, and you’ll instantly enhance the flavor. These cubes are not only convenient but also much more flavorful than pre-made store-bought cubes.

Customizable – This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. You can even swap out the vegetables or add herbs and spices of your choice. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and create your own unique vegetable broth cubes!

Freezer-Friendly – These homemade vegetable broth cubes are perfect for meal prep. Once frozen, they can be stored for months, ensuring that you have a constant supply of flavorful broth at your fingertips. This makes them ideal for busy weeks when you don’t have time to make fresh broth from scratch.

Cost-Effective – Making your own broth cubes at home is an affordable alternative to buying pre-packaged vegetable broth. Plus, it reduces food waste by using up leftover vegetables you might already have in your fridge.

Ingredient Notes

Fresh vegetables and ingredients for homemade vegetable broth cubes on a wooden cutting board.

The ingredients for these homemade vegetable broth cubes are simple yet flavorful. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Carrots – Carrots add natural sweetness and richness to the broth. They’re high in vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to any broth.
Leek – Leeks bring a mild, onion-like flavor to the broth. They are rich in antioxidants and can help promote good digestion.
Onion – Onions provide a savory base and depth of flavor. They are the foundation of most broths and soups.
Garlic – Garlic adds an aromatic and slightly spicy flavor, as well as beneficial health properties.
Celery – Celery contributes a fresh, earthy flavor and helps to balance the sweetness of the carrots and parsnips.
Turmeric Root – Turmeric is the star spice in this recipe. It gives the broth a golden color and adds an earthy, peppery flavor, along with potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Parsley – Parsley brings a burst of freshness and is packed with vitamins A, C, and K.
Red Bell Pepper – Red bell peppers contribute a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, as well as a healthy dose of vitamin C.
Parsnip – Parsnips have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and offer a more complex taste to the broth. They also have fiber and a variety of essential nutrients.
Salt – Salt is essential for seasoning the broth and enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Olive Oil – Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables, adding richness to the broth.

Fresh vegetables including parsnips, red bell pepper, leeks, carrot, onion, and parsley in a white dish on a wooden board.

Recipe Tips and Tricks for the Best Homemade Vegetable Broth Cubes

Sautéing the vegetables: The key to bringing out the full flavor of your vegetable broth cubes is to sauté the vegetables before blending. This step caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables and enhances their flavors.

A pan filled with a colorful mixture of chopped vegetables including carrots, red bell peppers, onions, and herbs, being sautéed with a wooden spatula.

Use fresh vegetables: For the best results, always use fresh, high-quality vegetables. If you have any leftover or slightly wilted vegetables in your fridge, this is a great way to use them up!
Don’t skip the turmeric root: Fresh turmeric adds a beautiful golden color and rich flavor. If you can’t find fresh turmeric, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
Blend until smooth: Once the vegetables are sautéed and softened, blending them until smooth is key to getting the right consistency for your broth cubes. If you prefer a slightly chunkier texture, you can blend the broth to your liking.
Freezing in a flat layer: When freezing the blended mixture, be sure to spread it into a thin, even layer. This allows for quicker freezing and easier cutting into cubes.

Spreading homemade vegetable broth mixture in a baking dish with an orange spatula.

Wash the leek thoroughly – The green part of the leek often traps dirt and sand between its layers. Slice it lengthwise and rinse well under running water to remove any hidden grit.
Protect your hands and surfaces when cutting turmeric – Turmeric can stain your hands and cutting board. Wear gloves when chopping, and place parchment paper on your cutting board to prevent discoloration.

How to Use Homemade Vegetable Broth Cubes

To use your homemade vegetable broth cubes, simply dissolve one or two cubes in hot water to create a flavorful vegetable broth. The ratio of cubes to water depends on your taste preferences and the concentration of the cubes.

General Ratio:

1 vegetable broth cube = 1 cup of water
For a richer flavor, you can use 1.5 cubes per cup of water.

You can also add the cubes directly to soups, stews, risottos, or pasta dishes while cooking to enhance the flavor. The cubes will melt quickly, infusing your dishes with savory goodness.

Homemade vegetable broth cubes with lemon, parsley, and black pepper on a wooden table.

Storing Tips

Homemade vegetable broth cubes can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Once the cubes are frozen, wrap each cube tightly in foil or parchment paper to prevent freezer burn. Store the wrapped cubes in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container.

When you need to use them, simply remove the desired number of cubes and add them directly to your recipe.

A hand holding an IKEA resealable bag containing homemade vegetable broth cubes wrapped in aluminum foil, with a bear illustration on the bag.

Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade Veegetable Broth Cubes

Is a vegetable stock cube the same as vegetable broth?

A vegetable stock cube and vegetable broth are similar but slightly different. Stock is typically made by simmering vegetables and herbs in water for an extended period of time, extracting rich flavors and gelatin from the vegetables. Broth, on the other hand, is made by boiling vegetables in water for a shorter period. Broth cubes tend to have a lighter, more liquid consistency, while stock cubes are richer and more concentrated.

How do you make broth from cubes?

To make broth from cubes, simply dissolve one or two cubes in hot water (about 1 cup of water per cube). Stir well until the cube is fully dissolved. You can adjust the number of cubes based on how strong or mild you want the flavor to be.

What should you not put in vegetable stock?

When making vegetable stock, avoid adding ingredients like:

Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli or cabbage) as they can create a bitter taste.
Starchy vegetables (e.g., potatoes) as they can make the stock too thick.
Strongly flavored ingredients (e.g., cabbage, brussels sprouts) as they can overpower the stock’s flavor.

Can I use these cubes in place of store-bought vegetable broth?

Yes! These homemade vegetable broth cubes are a great replacement for store-bought vegetable broth. Simply dissolve the cubes in water, and you’ll have a delicious, fresh vegetable broth ready for any recipe.

How many cubes should I use for a recipe?

The number of cubes you need depends on the quantity of broth your recipe calls for. As a general rule, use 1 cube per 1 cup of water. For a stronger flavor, you can use 1.5 cubes.

Can I make vegetable broth cubes without salt?

Yes, you can make vegetable broth cubes without salt if you prefer. However, salt helps to bring out the flavors of the vegetables. If you want to reduce your sodium intake, you can always add salt to taste when using the cubes in your recipes.

Can I add other herbs and spices to the cubes?

Absolutely! You can add any herbs and spices you like to personalize the flavor of your broth cubes. Thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and even ginger can complement the flavors of the vegetables.

How many vegetable broth cubes can I make with this recipe?

The number of cubes you can make from this recipe will depend on the size of the cubes and the amount of liquid your blended mixture yields. Generally, a typical ice cube tray or a small dish (like a baking tray) can make about 28–32 cubes depending on how large you cut them.

Close-up of a homemade vegetable broth cube held between fingers, showing a colorful mix of finely chopped vegetables.

Essential Equipment

To make these homemade vegetable broth cubes, you will need the following equipment:

A large sauté pan for cooking the vegetables.
A blender or food processor to blend the vegetables into a smooth paste.
A small dish or baking tray lined with parchment paper for freezing.
A sharp knife for chopping the vegetables.
Foil or parchment paper for wrapping the cubes after freezing.

A homemade vegetable broth cube placed on a sheet of aluminum foil.

Homemade vegetable broth cubes are a convenient, healthy, and flavorful addition to any kitchen. By making your own cubes, you not only enhance the taste of your dishes but also control the ingredients and avoid the chemicals and preservatives often found in store-bought options. Whether you’re cooking a hearty soup, a savory sauce, or a flavorful stew, these cubes will take your recipes to the next level.

I’d love to hear about your experience with making and using these vegetable broth cubes! Have you tried this recipe? What vegetables or herbs did you add to customize your cubes? Leave a comment below and let’s chat! If you make this recipe, tag me on Instagram! I’d love to see your creations.

Happy cooking! 🌱✨