Prevent or Fix Bitter Vegetable Broth

Step 1

Grate or shred sweet ingredients (like carrot) to increase surface area and sweet flavors.

Step 2

For an even deeper, richer, sweeter broth flavor: roast or saute the vegetables in olive oil or butter before they go into the pot with water.

Step 3

Do not overcook the vegetable broth. Simmering for 45 minutes to an hour is plenty.

Step 4

Stop and taste test the broth after it’s been simmering for about 25 to 30 minutes. Then, if you need to make any adjustments or “fixes” – you have plenty of time to do so!

Step 5

Add apples! Grate and add one sweet apple (e.g. gala, pink lady, fuji, golden delicious) for every 2-3 quarts of bitter broth in the pot. After adding grated apple, allow the broth to simmer for an additional 30 to 45 minutes to sweeten up.

Step 6

If you don’t have any apples on hand, add a little sugar instead. Start with a small amount (no more than ½ tsp per quart of broth) and then taste and adjust as needed.

Step 7

Tomato paste is sweet and acidic, and will also help reduce bitterness in vegetable broth.

Step 8

Enhance umami flavors with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or dollop of creamy miso paste. I recommend mixing miso paste with a small amount of hot water to fully dissolve it before adding it to the broth.

Step 9

Add a splash of red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice - about ½ tsp per 2 quarts of broth - but after the broth is done cooking and removed from the heat.