- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional herbs: thyme, rosemary, or parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare the Stock:
- Place the chicken bones in a large pot and add enough water to cover them completely. Bring this to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- As the bones boil, foam will begin to rise to the surface. Skim this off with a spoon and discard.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, and add any herbs you like.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 hours, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Strain and Cool:
- After the stock has developed a rich flavor, remove it from heat and strain out the solids. Allow the liquid to cool completely. Once cool, any fat on the surface can be skimmed off and discarded.
- Make Soup Cubes:
- Pour the cooled stock into ice cube trays. Freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, pop the soup cubes out of the trays and store them in freezer bags.
- Use as Needed:
- Whenever you need a flavor boost in your cooking, use a cube or two in place of regular broth or water. These cubes are perfect for making quick soups, enriching sauces, or cooking grains like rice or quinoa.
Benefits:
- Healthier: No additives or preservatives, and you can control the amount of salt.
- Economical: Utilizes leftovers and reduces waste.
- Versatile: Can be used in numerous recipes to add depth and flavor.
Conclusion: Homemade chicken soup cubes are not only a healthier choice but also a cost-effective and versatile kitchen hack. They provide a wonderful way to enrich and flavor dishes with the comforting taste of homemade broth. Try this simple recipe, and you might never go back to store-bought cubes again! Enjoy the wholesome goodness of homemade chicken soup cubes and elevate your cooking to the next level.