I never buy vegetable stock during the fall and winter. I also never buy extra vegetables for the sole purpose of making stock. Because we use so many vegetables throughout the week, I just bag the trimmings and store in the freezer until I have about 2 full freezer bags. (This is also a great way to use vegetables that may go bad before you get a chance to use them.)
To make the stock, simply add the trimmings to a large pot with olive oil, salt and some fresh or frozen thyme over medium high heat. I like to use Crate&Barrel’s Utensil Pot Clip (pictured) when doing this, since lots of stirring is involved. Once the trimmings have reduced (about 20 minutes), I add enough water to cover the vegetables, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
Once the broth is cool enough, you can strain the vegetables through cheesecloth to squeeze out all of the flavor. You can also use a potato masher if you don’t have cheesecloth handy—just be sure to strain the final product again through a fine mesh strainer. I store the broth in 4-cup plastic containers for easy use—it will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Here are some of the trimmings I use to make the broth:
beet tops
broccoli stems
brussel sprout ends
carrot ends
celery ends/leftover pieces
garlic
kale and/or collard green ribs
mushroom stems
onion ends (use the papery skins as well)
parsley
shallots
thyme
I always freeze carrots and celery before they go bad, but I am confused about saving the trimmings because it seems kind of funny to wash scraps that would otherwise be destined for the trash bin. Do I need to wash the trimmings before I freeze them? Or will freezing and then boiling them upon making the stock be sufficient?!
Thanks so much.
Annie, I never wash the trimmings, simply because the stock simmers for so long, and then is further strained, so I feel like that process is sufficient for ridding it of any "dirt." I've never had an issue with this, so assuming it's okay! : )