Planet Mirt’s Guide to DIY Veggie Stock Cubes: Turn Your Scraps into Savoury Goodness 🌱
Why let veggie scraps go to waste when you can turn them into flavour-packed stock cubes? These homemade veggie cubes are an easy way to add depth to soups, stews, sauces, and more. Plus, they’re a total win for reducing waste!
Step 1: Gather Your Scraps
Collect your veggie scraps over time—think onion skins, carrot tops, celery leaves, parsley stems, and mushroom bits. Keep them in a container or bag in the freezer until you’re ready. Just be sure to avoid bitter greens (like broccoli or kale stems) as they can overpower the stock.
Step 2: Simmer the Scraps
Once you’ve got a good stash of scraps:
- Add to Pot: Place your frozen veggie scraps in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to Boil: Heat on medium-high until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Simmer Down: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes. For extra flavour, toss in a few garlic cloves, peppercorns, or bay leaves.
- Strain: Once your stock is rich in colour and aroma, strain the liquid into a large bowl. Press the scraps gently to squeeze out every drop of goodness, then compost them.
Step 3: Reduce for Concentrated Flavour
For stock cubes, we want a rich, concentrated flavour:
- Return Liquid to Pot: Place the strained stock back on the stove.
- Simmer Again: Cook on low heat, allowing the stock to reduce by about half (around 30-45 minutes). The more it reduces, the richer the flavour!
Step 4: Pour into Moulds & Freeze
Now for the fun part:
- Choose Moulds: Pour the concentrated stock into ice cube trays or silicone moulds. (Tip: Use a funnel or small ladle for easy pouring.)
- Freeze: Pop the trays in the freezer and freeze until solid.
Step 5: Store for Easy Access
Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date, and you’re ready to go! These stock cubes will last for up to 6 months, giving you a boost of flavour whenever you need it.
How to Use Your Veggie Stock Cube
Drop a cube into soups, stews, sauces, or even stir-fries for a burst of flavour. They’re also perfect for cooking grains like rice or quinoa, adding a rich, savoury edge to any dish.
Enjoy every flavourful sip and savour the satisfaction of a sustainable, waste-free kitchen with Planet Mirt! 🌍🥕