Homemade Vegetable Soup and Broth

This Homemade Vegetable Soup and Broth is a nutritious and flavorful dish that doubles as a soothing broth and hearty vegetable soup. Packed with a variety of vegetables, spices, and herbs, this soup is perfect for a comforting meal or a base for other recipes. The combination of sweet potatoes, mushrooms, ginger, and turmeric provides a rich, earthy flavor, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness. Ideal for cold days or as a health-boosting meal, this soup is easy to make and stores well.

Ingredients

• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks
• 1 medium/large sweet white onion, peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks
• 1 medium/large leek, peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks (use white and pale green parts, discard dark green or leafy parts)
• 1 baby bok choy, chopped into 1-inch chunks (may substitute with about half of a full-size bok choy, discard top portion of jagged leaves)
• 2 medium or 1 large sweet potatoes or yams, unpeeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks
• 8 ounces white mushrooms, stems removed and quartered
• Juice of 1 medium/large lemon
• 2 to 3-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, added whole and removed midway through simmering (1 tablespoon ground ginger may be substituted)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste (add before, during, or after simmering)
• About 6 quarts water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stockpot:

• In a large stockpot (such as a Le Creuset Cast-Iron Dutch Oven), combine all ingredients up to the black pepper.

1. Add Water:

• Fill the pot with water, about 6 quarts, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.

1. Simmer:

• Cover and simmer over medium heat for about 1 hour. Taste the soup and, based on your preference for ginger intensity, remove the piece of ginger and discard if desired.

1. Cook Thoroughly:

• Continue to simmer the soup for a total of 90 to 120 minutes or until all vegetables are very soft and the flavors have married. If the broth level reduces too much during simmering, add a few additional cups of water as needed.

1. Serve:

• Serve immediately. For a clear broth, strain out the vegetables from about 2 quarts worth of broth; the remaining mixture is a hearty vegetable soup.

1. Storage:

• Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Tips

• Vegetable Preparation: Ensure all vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Ginger Flavor: Adjust the ginger to your taste. Removing it midway through cooking will result in a milder flavor, while leaving it in longer will intensify the ginger taste.
• Additional Flavors: Feel free to add other herbs like parsley or cilantro at the end for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This soup can be enjoyed on its own, or serve it with a side of crusty bread or over cooked grains like rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
• Versatility: Use this broth as a base for other soups, stews, or sauces to enhance their flavor with minimal effort.

Enjoy this wholesome and versatile Homemade Vegetable Soup and Broth, perfect for any season!