A warm, hearty chicken broth is the foundation of countless comforting dishes, from soups to sauces and beyond. However, many store-bought broths are packed with additives, preservatives, and excess sodium, which can overshadow the natural flavors of the ingredients. Making your own chicken broth at home not only allows you to control what goes into your broth but also enhances your meals with pure, rich, and aromatic flavors. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a homemade chicken broth that’s free from chemicals and additives, using simple, wholesome ingredients.
Why Homemade Chicken Broth?
Homemade chicken broth is an excellent way to utilize nutritious ingredients to create a versatile kitchen staple. The benefits extend beyond flavor; homemade broth is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, especially when made with high-quality, organic chicken and fresh vegetables. Unlike commercial broths, this homemade version ensures that no unwanted chemicals or preservatives make their way into your meals, making it a healthier option for you and your family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe yields about 8 cups of chicken broth.
- 1 chicken leg (preferably organic, about 300-400 grams)
- 1 onion (peeled and chopped)
- 3 cloves of garlic (peeled and crushed)
- Half a kohlrabi (peeled and chopped, about 100 grams)
- 4 carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 2 parsley roots (peeled and chopped, about 100 grams)
- 2 parsnip roots (peeled and chopped, about 150 grams)
- 1/2 celery root (peeled and chopped, about 150 grams)
- 4 stalks of celery (chopped)
- Two handfuls of parsley (roughly chopped)
- 80 grams of salt (about 4 tablespoons, adjust to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for searing the chicken, about 1 tablespoon)
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Searing the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: Begin by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. The oil will help sear the chicken and add depth to the flavor of the broth.
- Sear the Chicken Leg: Place the chicken leg into the hot oil and sear it on both sides until it turns golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the juices and enhances the overall flavor of the broth.
- Add Water and Cook: After searing, add 150 ml of hot water to the pot with the chicken. Cover the pot and let the chicken cook on low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the meat is tender and nearly cooked through. This initial cooking will start to infuse the water with chicken flavor, forming the base of your broth.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Peel and chop the onion, garlic, kohlrabi, carrots, parsley roots, parsnip roots, and celery root into uniform pieces. Chop the celery stalks into smaller sections and roughly chop the parsley.
- Prepare All Ingredients: Keep all the chopped vegetables aside, ready to be added to the pot once the chicken has softened.
Step 3: Adding Vegetables to the Pot
- Add Vegetables to the Chicken: Once the chicken leg is tender and most of the water has evaporated, add all the prepared vegetables to the pot. Sprinkle with 80 grams of salt, or adjust to taste. The salt not only seasons the broth but also helps to extract the natural juices from the vegetables.
- Cook on Low Heat: Cover the pot with a lid and allow the vegetables to cook on low heat for about 8 minutes. This step allows the vegetables to soften slightly and release their natural flavors, which will enrich the broth.
- Simmer the Broth: After the initial cooking of the vegetables, add about 2 liters (8 cups) of water to the pot. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 1 to 1.5 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together, creating a rich and flavorful broth.
Step 4: Straining the Broth
- Remove the Chicken Leg: Once the broth is done simmering, carefully remove the chicken leg. The meat can be shredded and added to soups, salads, or other dishes, while the bones and skin can be discarded.
- Strain the Broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or another pot, pressing down on the vegetables to extract as much liquid as possible. This step ensures that your broth is smooth and free of solids, leaving behind only the delicious, clear liquid.
Freezing and Storing
Step 1: Freezing the Broth
- Cool the Broth: Let the strained broth cool to room temperature. To speed up the cooling process, you can place the bowl in an ice bath or let it sit on the counter, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare for Freezing: Line a container with foil or use freezer-safe containers to store the broth. Pour the cooled broth into the container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.
- Freeze Overnight: Place the container in the freezer and let it freeze overnight until solid.
Step 2: Cutting and Storing
- Remove the Frozen Broth: Once the broth is completely frozen, use a hot towel to carefully loosen it from the container.
- Cut into Cubes: Cut the frozen broth into cubes about 2 cm in size. This makes it easy to grab just the amount you need for your recipes.
- Store in Freezer Bags: Place the cubes into freezer bags, arranging them in layers to save space. Seal the bags tightly, label them with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Easy Incorporation into Meals
To use your homemade chicken broth, simply add the frozen cubes directly to soups, stews, sauces, or any recipe that calls for broth. The cubes will melt quickly, infusing your dish with rich, natural flavors without any hassle.
Benefits of Chemical-Free Broth
Healthier Option: Making your own chicken broth ensures that you’re consuming a product free from additives, preservatives, and excess sodium. You have full control over what goes into your broth, making it a healthier choice for you and your family.
Enhanced Flavor: By using fresh, quality ingredients, your homemade broth will boast a depth of flavor that’s unmatched by store-bought versions. The natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables shine through, creating a broth that’s aromatic, flavorful, and perfect for enhancing any dish.
Conclusion
Homemade chicken broth is a versatile, nutritious staple that every home cook should have on hand. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy a delicious broth that’s free from chemicals and additives, bursting with the natural flavors of fresh chicken and vegetables. Whether used in soups, sauces, or as a base for other recipes, this homemade broth is sure to elevate your cooking to new heights. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s in your food, and savor the rich, comforting taste of homemade chicken broth!
