There’s nothing like the comforting steam that rises from a hot bowl of nutritious soup. Making a large pot of homemade soup or stew is a great way to use up leftovers and expand the menu plan without spending more. The added bonus is that one can easily freeze portioned soup or stew for future meals. It’s good to have options in the freezer, from peas to ham and barley, borscht or tomato soup, being able to choose what you want at the moment; just thaw, heat on the stove, and serve.

Frugal shoppers are fully aware that store-bought stock or stock can be quite expensive: $3 (or more) for just 3-4c. of values. An alternative is powdered bouillon or bouillon cubes loaded with colourings, additives and salt. Surprisingly, it’s very easy to make your own nutritious beef, chicken, ham, or vegetable broth.

Keep a large container ready to collect clean, disease-free vegetable peels, hearts, and trimmings. Add the inner onion or garlic rinds, as well as the herb sprigs, meat bones, and reserved water from steamed or boiled vegetables.

Place in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover pot. After 1/2 hour or so, turn off the heat and keep the covered pot on the burner, using the heat still on the burner, until cool. Through a fine strainer, measure and freeze in 2-4 Tbsp. containers OR store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Having pre-measured amounts in the freezer makes it very handy for future meals.

If you want a very clear broth, simply strain a second time, but cover the strainer with a paper towel or paper coffee filter and be sure to pour slowly.

We have so many uses for broth in our house besides soups and stews. We use it in place of oil in our stir-fry dishes and to cook beans and grains. We’ve even used it to make our dogs’ meals tastier.

You may be surprised at the difference in flavor homemade broth brings to any meal. Not only is the volume of organic waste produced by your kitchen reduced, but it now takes very little time for cooked porridge to compost. You have saved your family money by eliminating the need to purchase packaged broth or savory broth, and you have increased the nutrient content of your family’s diet.