Rainy Days, Hearty Bowls: Celebrate and Nourish Your Soul with Delectable Monsoon Broths

• Heat the oil in a large pot.
• Add the chopped onions, garlic to the pot and sauté until they become fragrant and lightly browned.
• Add the rest of the vegetables to the pot and continue sautéing for a few more minutes.
• Pour in the water, ensuring that the vegetables are fully submerged.
• Add the bay leaf, fresh herbs, peppercorns, turmeric powder, and salt to the pot.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 hour. Stir it occasionally.
• After the simmering time, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a bit.
• Strain the broth using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl, separating the vegetables from the liquid.
• Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or herbs.
• Allow the broth to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for any time use.

Recipe tips and variations

• You can use vegetable broth as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, or simply enjoy it as a warm and comforting drink during the monsoon season.
• After sieving the broth, you can use leftover vegetables to make a sabzi or puree in a blender or food processor and mix them with ingredients like yogurt, to create a tasty dip or spread. Serve it with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.

• Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water and place it in a large pot.
• Add water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, ginger, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours.
• After a simmering time, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
• Strain the broth using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
• Shred the cooked chicken meat from the bones and add it back to the broth.
• Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for flavor and garnish. This is optional.

Recipe tips and variations:

• When making your chicken broth, opt for fresh and organic chicken parts like carcasses, backs, wings, or even a whole chicken. This ensures the best flavor and quality for your broth.
• The chicken broth can be enjoyed on its own or used as a versatile base for other soups, and stews, or as a flavorful cooking liquid for rice or noodles.
• For added flavor and depth, consider incorporating additional ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, or star anise into your broth. These aromatic additions can elevate the taste profile of your chicken broth.
• Store any leftover broth in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze it for longer-term use. This way, you'll always have a nourishing and convenient ingredient on hand for future recipes.