If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty alternative to industrial bouillon cubes, this homemade vegetable granulate for broth is perfect for you! With fresh, natural ingredients such as mixed vegetables, coarse salt and extra virgin olive oil, you can create a concentrate that seasons every dish. Simple to prepare with the help of a food processor, and easily dried in the oven or microwave. Discover step by step how to make your vegetable granulate and say goodbye to preservatives!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 40 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Cooking with kitchen robot, Microwave
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (typically celery, carrot and onion)
- 7 tbsp coarse salt
- 1 1/3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp tomato paste
Tools
- 1 Kitchen robot Monsieur Cousine Connect
- 1 Steam diverter Deviatore di vapore
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Steps
Put the chopped vegetables into the bowl of the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, or into a vegetable chopper, and pulse for 10 seconds | speed 7.
Gather the mixture from the bottom.
Add the salt, oil and tomato paste.
Set steam cooking for 20 minutes, with the measuring cup partially open (if you want to avoid splashes you can put a fine mesh strainer under the cap or alternatively use a very useful steam diverter for the robot ).
After cooking, chop everything for 1 minute at speed 10, scraping the mixture from the bottom.
In a pan: If you used a pan for manual processing, put the mixture back into the same pan and let the water evaporate, stirring and spreading it until it dries. This step requires some manual work.
In the oven: For even drying, you can use a fan-assisted oven at 302°F. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and stir occasionally until completely dried.
In the microwave: Spread the mixture on a sheet of parchment paper and cook at 800W for 3 minutes, turning and spreading frequently until completely dried.
Once dried, let the mixture cool completely.
Put the mixture into the clean, dry bowl of the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, close the lid and press the central button to start a 1-second turbo pulse.
If the bowl is occupied, you can use another accessory to chop.
Pour the chopped vegetable granulate into a dry, clean jar. Store in the pantry for future use.
A perfect homemade vegetable granulate, ready to flavor broths, soups or other dishes!
The homemade vegetable granulate is a practical, healthy and delicious solution for those who want to avoid the preservatives found in industrial bouillon cubes. Try it in your kitchen to enrich every dish with a natural, genuine flavor.
Storage, tips and notes
Storage: Once prepared and chopped, store the vegetable granulate in a well-sealed, dry and clean jar. Keep it in the pantry, away from direct light and humidity, to preserve its flavor and properties for a long time. Homemade vegetable granulate can last up to 6 months if stored correctly.
Dosage: Use the vegetable granulate as a substitute for bouillon cubes or powdered broth. A small amount is enough to flavor broths, soups, risottos or any dish that needs a touch of vegetable flavor. Start with one teaspoon per serving and add more according to your taste.
Variations: You can customize your vegetable granulate by adding other vegetables as you like, such as zucchini, leeks, peppers or fennel. For an aromatic touch, try adding dried herbs like rosemary, thyme or bay leaf.
Drying: If you prefer a faster method, the microwave is a good choice for drying. However, the oven offers a more uniform result and can be used to dry larger quantities at once.
Use in recipes: The vegetable granulate can also be used to flavor dishes such as sauces, stews and marinades. It can be dissolved directly in hot water or added to ingredients during cooking.
Food safety: Make sure the container where you store the granulate is perfectly dry to prevent moisture from compromising the quality of the product.
Vegetable granulate without tomato: If you prefer a more neutral granulate, you can omit the tomato paste. This will give you a vegetable preparation that suits a wider range of dishes, including more delicate ones.
Adding dried mushrooms: An interesting addition for those who enjoy a richer, earthier flavor is chopped dried mushrooms. Add them together with the vegetables for an even deeper taste.
FAQ – Vegetable granulate for broth
Can I use the vegetable granulate in all recipes?
Yes, the vegetable granulate is perfect for flavoring a wide range of dishes, including broths, soups, risottos, sauces, stews and marinades. It is an excellent substitute for industrial bouillon cubes.
Can I use other vegetables instead of celery, carrot and onion?
Absolutely! You can customize your granulate by adding vegetables as you like, such as zucchini, peppers, leeks or fennel. Each combination will give you a unique flavor.
How long does homemade vegetable granulate last?
If stored correctly in a sealed jar, away from humidity and direct light, the vegetable granulate can last up to 6 months.
Can I make the granulate without tomato paste?
Yes, if you prefer a more neutral preparation you can omit the tomato paste. The result will be a versatile granulate that suits a wider variety of dishes.
How can I adjust the flavor of the granulate?
Start with one teaspoon of granulate per serving and taste the dish. You can add more granulate for a stronger flavor, depending on your preferences.
What is the best method to dry the granulate?
The microwave is the fastest method, but the oven provides more even drying, ideal for large quantities. Choose the method that best suits your time and needs.
Can I add aromatic herbs to the vegetable granulate?
Yes, adding dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme or bay leaf can enrich the flavor of your granulate, making it even more aromatic and suitable for different dishes.
Can I use the granulate for vegan or gluten-free dishes?
Yes, the vegetable granulate is completely vegan and gluten-free, so it can be used in any plant-based or gluten-free diet.
