Vegetable Stock
AI-generated image
Vegan Gluten-free Global

Vegetable Stock

A deeply savory, clear vegetable stock built from browned aromatics, earthy roots, and fresh herbs. It brings quiet depth to soups, sauces, grains, and braises without overpowering their main ingredients.

90 min 8 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cut surfaces are deeply golden.
Vegetables browning in a heavy pot for vegetable stock AI-generated image
2
Add the garlic and shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes, until the mushrooms soften and the garlic smells fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, until it darkens slightly and coats the vegetables.
3
Pour in the cold water and add the black peppercorns, bay leaves, and thyme. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
4
Bring the liquid just to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 60 minutes, keeping only an occasional small bubble at the surface.
5
Remove the pot from the heat and rest the stock for 10 minutes so the solids settle and the flavors round out.
6
Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof container, pressing the vegetables gently but not forcing solids through. Cool quickly, then use immediately or store as directed.
Clear vegetable stock being strained through a fine-mesh sieve AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Browning concentrates the vegetables' natural sugars and savory notes, while a gentle simmer extracts flavor without clouding the stock. Mushrooms and tomato paste add umami and body, and the herbs keep the finish fresh.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool the strained stock quickly in a shallow container, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months, leaving headspace in rigid containers or using freezer-safe portions.

How to reheat it

Reheat only the amount needed in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Do not repeatedly cool and reheat the full batch.

Nutrition / serving

58kcal
1.04 gprotein
6.32 gcarbs
3.56 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 21 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026