Last Updated on October 26, 2022

This vegetable stock recipe is incredibly flavorful and versatile. Add it to all your favorite soups and recipes to give them both flavor and nutrients.

Whether you are making stock from fresh veggies or vegetable stock from scraps, it’s easy and almost impossible to mess up. We will answer all your questions like “what is vegetable stock?” and “how do you make vegetable stock cubes?”

vegetable stock recipe

This vegetable stock recipe is so easy and inexpensive. Really. There’s no excuse to ever, ever buy it in the store ever again.

You’ll be able to avoid unnecessary preservatives and those awful tetrapaks.

what is vegetable stock?

Vegetable stock is made with vegetables that have been boiled and simmered for several hours. It can be used in a variety of different recipes.

what is the difference between vegetable stock and vegetable broth?

Basically, the difference between this vegetable stock recipe and broth is seasonings and herbs. Once you add seasonings and herbs, you will end up with vegetable broth instead of stock.

Vegetable Stock: Unseasoned

Vegetable Broth: Seasoned (salt, pepper, herbs, etc.)

I don’t like to season mine, because I like to keep my options open. Now that we have that settled, let’s continue!

vegetable stock tips

Most regional cuisines are based on three very key ingredients. Carrots, onions, and celery are the base of the mirepoix, which is commonly found in both French and Southern cuisines. The Italians have a soffrito which is a mix of tomatoes, garlic, and onion. And, in New Orleans, they have the holy trinity of celery, onion, and green bell pepper. Depending on what you like to cook, you can add any of these ingredients to your stock.

You will want to steer clear of the cruciferous family. They can impart a very bitter flavor to your broth. Potatoes are not cruciferous, but they will make your broth very cloudy and don’t impart much flavor. 

As you’re prepping meals throughout the week, you can cut off the odds and ends of onions, carrots, and garlic peels and throw them all in a bowl in the freezer. Once it starts to fill up, you can use it to make stock! 

You can see my “before” above — a nice full pot of veggies scraps…

…and this is after the mixture has been simmered for six hours.

vegetable stock from scraps

Roughly chop and wash your vegetables. You want to make sure you remove any dirt. Dump all of your veggie bits in a pot big enough to hold all of them, then cover them with water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Put on the lid and walk away! 

That’s it! So easy, right!? 

Now, you can let this simmer for just an hour or two for a light flavor. But, I like mine to get very condensed and rich, so I let it simmer for approximately six hours. Then, I store it in the freezer so I always have some on hand. 

I made 15 cups of stock for $3.00! That much organic stock in the store would cost me $21.50. 

frequently asked questions

how do you use vegetable stock?

I use this vegetable stock recipe in soups, enchilada sauce, risotto, pasta, dog treats, and really almost everything. If you want to amp up rice, cook it in stock instead of water. It takes the dish from just okay to amazing. 

can I make vegetable stock from scraps?

Of course! You can absolutely make vegetable stock from scraps! That’s one of the great things about living a zero waste lifestyle — using every resource you already have available.

how do I make vegetable stock cubes?

If you end up with leftover vegetable stock that you want to save, no problem! Turn it into vegetable stock cubes by freezing it. After making your vegetable stock from scraps, divide it into ice cube trays and freeze. When you are ready to use it, thaw as many cubes as you need in the fridge or toss them right into your soup pot!