Homemade Vegetable Bouillon Cubes

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
– Chop all your vegetables into small, even pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, allowing for the best flavor extraction.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and release their fragrance.

3. **Add Herbs and Spices:**
– Add your herbs, salt, pepper, turmeric, and chili flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. **Simmer the Broth:**
– Pour in the water (or vegetable broth if using for extra richness) and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together.

5. **Strain the Broth:**
– After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl. Discard the solids or use them in another recipe (such as vegetable soup or compost). You should be left with a rich and flavorful broth.

6. **Concentrate the Broth:**
– Pour the strained broth back into the pot and continue to simmer it over low heat to concentrate the flavors. This will reduce the liquid and intensify the taste. Let it cook down by half or more, depending on your desired strength.

7. **Cool and Mold the Bouillon:**
– Once the broth is concentrated, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the cooled broth into an ice cube tray or silicone mold. Be sure to fill each section, but leave a little space at the top for expansion. Place the tray in the freezer and allow the cubes to freeze completely.

8. **Store the Bouillon Cubes:**
– Once the bouillon cubes are frozen, pop them out of the molds and transfer them to a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date so you know when they were made. Store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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### **How to Use Homemade Vegetable Bouillon Cubes**

To use your homemade vegetable bouillon cubes, simply drop one or two into hot water (about 1 cup per cube) and stir until it dissolves. This will give you a rich vegetable broth perfect for soups, stews, sauces, risottos, or as a flavorful cooking liquid for grains and rice. The cubes can also be used as a base for gravies or any recipe that calls for vegetable broth.

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### **Tips and Variations:**

– **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs like basil, dill, or oregano for a unique twist on the flavor.
– **Add Nutritional Yeast:** For a cheesy, umami-like flavor, try adding a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast to the mix.
– **No Freezer?** If you don’t have freezer space, you can also dehydrate the concentrated broth into a powder and store it in an airtight container. Just sprinkle a bit of the powder in water to rehydrate and make a quick broth.
– **Make it Vegan:** This recipe is naturally vegan, but you can also add a little miso paste or tamari for an even deeper umami flavor.

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### **Why Homemade is Better**

Making vegetable bouillon cubes at home means you are in control of the ingredients, ensuring that everything is natural, preservative-free, and tailored to your dietary needs. Plus, they make a great homemade gift for food lovers or anyone who enjoys cooking. With this simple recipe, you’ll never need to reach for those sodium-laden cubes from the store again!

So, try this homemade vegetable bouillon cube recipe today – it’s a convenient, versatile, and flavorful addition to your kitchen essentials. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!