04/07/2025
I don't like to waste. One of my favorite ways to minimize waste in the kitchen is to make my own delicious stock!
I keep a big container (Ice cream bucket for the win!) in the freezer for veggie and meat scraps/bones that don't make it to the dinner plate. Once it's full, the frozen block pops right out into the instant pot, where it gets a long cycle pressure cook followed by a day on slow cook. Afterward, the juices go through a metal strainer into big pitchers, then cools, then gets refrigerated. The next day, I remove the disk of fat at the top (save that for other uses), and I jar up the rest for future use. I have a large pressure canner I use for this, but you can also freeze stocks and broths. Be extremely careful if you freeze in glass containers. They can shatter if its not done correctly.
One of my absolute favorite ways to use the stock is in place of water when making rice. It is devine!
This past weekend, I made and preserved almost 6 gallons of very concentrated homemade stock. Look at that color! YUM!
It's a super easy process. It's a great way to add extra healthy nutrients into your meals, reduce food waste, and save money, all while building your home food storage. You don't even need special equipment. A large pot on the stove and a colander works as well.
Do you make your own stocks and broths? What's your favorite ways to use them? Do you want to make your own but have questions? Please leave us a comment!
