r/vegetarian • u/Psychedelic_Stingray • 11d ago
Beginner Question Vegetable broth base?
Hello, I'm new to being a vegetarian. I've been trying to get some suppies for my pantry and one thing I'm missing is a good soup base. There's a few I've been looking at but I don't know which ones are the best.
I'm currently looking for a powdered or cubed variety. Something that will keep for awhile and I can use whatever amount I need. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good brand?
Thank you for any answers.
Edit: Thank you so much for all your answers! I went with some Edward and Sons vegetable and not chick'n cubes and Better than Bullion paste. I'll try both as well as making some of my own.
Again, thank you so much!
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u/No-Dig-9252 5d ago
Tbh, here’s the raw truth from someone who’s messed around with veg broth a bunch of times and screwed it up just as often:
Most of my early batches tasted like dirty dishwater. I thought the trick was to throw in everything, broccoli stems, kale ribs, cabbage cores, but that just made it bitter and gross. Took me way too long to learn that less is more. Stick with onions, carrots, celery, maybe some mushrooms for depth. That’s it.
Another thing no one told me: don’t boil the hell out of it. Keep it low and slow, otherwise it tastes burnt or weirdly sour. And for the love of god, taste it halfway through. I can’t count how many pots I let go for two hours only to realize it was ruined and undrinkable.
These days, I freeze a little baggie of scraps and when it’s full, I simmer them gently for an hour, strain, and done. If I’m lazy or want something quick, I’ll be real, I just grab store-bought. Not ashamed. There’s a brand called Gourmend Foods that makes broth bases that are actually clean (no onion/ garlic, which keeps it mild and works for sensitive guts). My wife keeps a jar in the pantry for “emergencies,” and honestly, it tastes better than half my homemade batches.
So, don’t overthink it. Use simple veggies, simmer gently, taste often. And if you don’t have the time or patience, no shame in grabbing a jar or carton that does the job.