Contents
Introduction
Mushroom broth is a versatile and flavorful base that elevates a variety of dishes. Packed with umami, this broth can enhance risottos, soups, and sauces, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. This detailed recipe from Love and Lemons brings together a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms, aromatic spices, and vegetables to create a nourishing and rich broth that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
2 medium yellow onions
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Stems from 1 pound shiitake mushrooms
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
10 cups water
1 garlic bulb, halved horizontally
1-inch piece fresh ginger, halved
½ ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
3 tablespoons tamari
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
3-inch piece kombu
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Yield
About 2 quarts (8 cups)
This rich and savory mushroom broth can be refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container or frozen for up to three months. Enjoy the deep umami flavor it adds to your favorite dishes!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Onions:
Wash and dry the onions. Remove the onion skins and set them aside. Thinly slice the onions.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large stockpot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced onions, shiitake stems, and halved cremini mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and browned, about 10 minutes.
Add Remaining Ingredients:
Pour in the 10 cups of water. Add the reserved onion skins, halved garlic bulb, halved ginger, dried shiitake mushrooms, tamari, and black peppercorns.
Simmer the Broth:
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and add the kombu. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hour.
Strain and Season:
Allow the broth to cool slightly. Pour it through a fine mesh sieve set over a large bowl to strain out the solids. Discard the solids and season the broth to taste.
Notes
Storage:
This rich and savory mushroom broth can be used in risottos, soups, sauces, and more to add a deep umami flavor. It makes about 2 quarts (8 cups) and can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Onions
Wash and dry the onions thoroughly. Remove the skins carefully and thinly slice them to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution in the broth.
Sautéing Vegetables
In a stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, shiitake stems, and halved cremini mushrooms. Stir occasionally until the onions become soft and browned, which enhances the broth’s flavor.
Simmering the Broth
After adding water and remaining ingredients, bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and introduce kombu while covering the pot. Let it simmer for an hour to extract maximum flavor from the ingredients.
Straining the Broth
Once the broth has cooled slightly, pour it through a fine mesh sieve to separate the solids from the liquid. This step ensures a clear and flavorful broth.
FAQ
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this broth?
Yes, you can substitute with other mushrooms like portobello or button mushrooms, but keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly.
How long can I store the mushroom broth?
The broth can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months for later use.
What can I use mushroom broth for?
Mushroom broth is versatile and can be used in risottos, soups, sauces, and as a base for various dishes to enhance umami flavor.
Is this broth vegan?
Yes, this mushroom broth is completely plant-based and suitable for vegans.
Conclusion
This Mushroom Broth is a versatile and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. Rich in umami, it enhances a variety of dishes, making it an excellent base for soups, risottos, and sauces. Preparing it is straightforward, and the resulting broth is nutritious and satisfying. Feel free to store any leftovers for later use, ensuring you have a delicious homemade broth on hand whenever needed.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mushroom Risotto
Use your mushroom broth as the base for a creamy risotto. Add Arborio rice, sautéed onions, and fresh herbs for a delightful meal.
Mushroom Soup
Combine the mushroom broth with sautéed mushrooms, cream, and herbs to create a comforting soup perfect for any occasion.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Use the broth as a cooking liquid for a vibrant vegetable stir-fry, adding depth and flavor to your dish.
Bean Stew
Incorporate your mushroom broth into a hearty bean stew, filled with legumes, vegetables, and spices for a filling meal.
Pasta Sauce
Enhance your tomato-based pasta sauces by simmering them with mushroom broth for a richer flavor profile.
Grain Bowl
Use mushroom broth to cook grains like quinoa or farro, then top with roasted vegetables, nuts, and a drizzle of dressing for a nutritious grain bowl.
