Photograph by David Murray/Getty Images
Broth is all the rage for its nutritive powers. In truth the word is used interchangeably with good old-fashioned stock. Store-bought chicken, beef or vegetable stock often comes in a one litre cartons. But recipes don't always call for that much, so you're stuck with leftovers that may or may not be enough to use in another recipe.
It's not exactly a Major Problem. But it's still sort of annoying, and wasteful. Short of adding it to a pot or chicken noodle soup (or letting it sit in your fridge for weeks until it starts to grow mould) what can you do with this savoury liquid?
More than you think. Next time you find yourself with a partially empty carton of broth, use it up with one of these smart hacks.
Use it as a pan de-glazer.
Keep that bottle of Pinot Grigio or Merlot for drinking and de-glaze your pan with chicken or vegetable broth instead. It's cheaper—and the results will still be plenty flavourful.
Add it to cream sauces.
[description]Cut some of the heavy cream or whole milk with broth to lighten up creamy pasta sauces. Broth works well in non-dairy cream sauces, too. Rather than blending cashews or tahini with water (like most recipes call for), use veggie broth for extra savoury flavour.
Use it for cooking grains.
Brown rice, quinoa, millet, you name it. Whatever the grain, it'll taste more delicious if you add some broth to the simmering water. If you've got enough broth to skip the water altogether, go for it.
Reheat pasta and stir-fries.
A stint in the microwave can leave leftover pasta and stir-fry dishes gummy and dry. So here's a better idea: Reheat them in a wide, shallow frying pan over medium-low heat with some leftover broth until the food is warmed through and most of the liquid is absorbed. It'll keep your food moist and give it extra flavor.
Keep leftover casserole from drying out.
Yup, broth can make that leftover mac & cheese more tasty, too. Just add a spoonful or two over your food before popping it in the microwave. Dry, crusty leftover casserole just became a thing of the past.
Stick it in your steamer.
[description]Try adding broth to your steamer instead of plain water to infuse your vegetables with a subtle, savory flavor. Now, that side of broccoli or green beans won't need loads of salt or butter to taste delicious.
Make treats for your pup.
[description]Sucking on frozen cubes of broth might not sound like your idea of a good time. But your dog would beg to differ. Freeze broth in an ice cube tray, then transfer the frozen cubes to a zip-top bag for pooch-friendly popsicles that'll stay fresh all season long. (Don't let your dog be the only one enjoying a frozen treat.)
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