When it comes to creating delicious and flavorful vegetable dishes, having a good base is essential. One such base that adds depth and smokiness to your recipes is smoked tomato broth. Made from fresh tomatoes, bell pepper, and smoked paprika, this homemade broth is perfect for soups, stews, and rice dishes like risotto.
What is Tomato Broth Made Of?
Tomato broth is a simple yet flavorful liquid made from a combination of fresh tomatoes, bell pepper, garlic, and spices. The addition of smoked paprika gives it a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of your dishes. This vegetarian broth is easy to make and takes only about 30 minutes.
How to Make Tomato Broth
To make tomato broth, start by quartering tomatoes and chopping bell peppers. In a pot, add the tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, salt, smoked paprika, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook covered for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Once cooked, remove the thyme stems and bay leaf. Blend the broth until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. To ensure a smooth consistency, strain the broth through a mesh strainer to remove any bits of tomato skin.
The resulting tomato broth is rich, flavorful, and ready to be used as a base for your favorite vegetable dishes. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Easy Tomato Broth Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for making tomato broth:
- 8 ounces tomatoes, quartered (2 medium)
- 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups water
Directions:
- Add quartered tomatoes, bell pepper, garlic, salt, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and 6 cups of water to a medium saucepan. Cover with a lid and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed.
- Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Puree the broth using an immersion or regular blender, then strain to remove any bits of tomato skin.
- Measure the broth and add enough water to bring the liquid up to 6 cups. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
This easy tomato broth recipe yields approximately 6 cups of flavorful broth, perfect for enhancing the taste of your vegetable dishes.
Uses for Tomato Broth
Tomato broth can be used in a variety of dishes to add depth and flavor. Here are a few ideas:
- Tomato Soup: Use the tomato broth as a base for a delicious homemade tomato soup. Simply add your favorite seasonings, vegetables, and herbs to create a comforting and flavorful soup.
- Vegetable Risotto: Tomato broth is an excellent choice for making vegetable risotto. Its smoky flavor adds a unique twist to this classic dish.
- Stews and Casseroles: Use tomato broth as a flavorful liquid in stews and casseroles. It adds depth and richness to the overall dish.
- Grains and Rice Dishes: Replace water with tomato broth when cooking grains like quinoa or rice. It infuses the grains with a delicious smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information
Tomato broth is a low-calorie and nutritious option for adding flavor to your dishes. Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 18
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 592mg
- Carbohydrate: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 0.7g
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute for fresh tomatoes in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly.
Can I freeze tomato broth?
Yes, tomato broth can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags to maintain its quality.
Can I customize the spices in tomato broth?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
Can I use tomato broth in non-vegetarian dishes?
Yes, tomato broth can be used in non-vegetarian dishes as well. It adds a delicious smoky flavor to meat-based stews, soups, and sauces.
In conclusion, smoked tomato broth is a versatile and flavorful base for vegetable dishes. Its combination of fresh tomatoes, bell pepper, and smoked paprika adds depth and richness to your recipes. Whether you use it in soups, stews, or rice dishes, this homemade broth is sure to elevate the taste of your creations.
If you want to know other articles similar to Smoked tomato broth: a flavorful base for veg dishes you can visit the Broth category.
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