If you came looking for a little something sweet today…you’re out of luck. (Try back tomorrow!!)

But don’t despair, I have a really useful recipe, and useful is always a good thing- useful makes our lives that little bit easier!

Vegetable stock (or ‘broth’) is a staple in pretty much all vegan cooking (and for cooking in general). It provides so much of the important flavour within a dish, and the difference between a good stock and a bad one can make a huge difference to the outcome. Vegan cooking is often so very reliant on the subtleties of flavours without the strength and textures of meat and dairy to carry a dish.

So, why risk it? Make your own!

I use this stock paste in everything where I list ‘vegetable stock’ in my ingredients, I also find the fact that it is a paste really useful, as it mixes with water so much more readily than a hard cube. You can also use precisely the amount you want instead of having to break off half a cube for a small single portion.

This recipe originally came from the cookbook that came with my Thermomix, I have followed it almost identically other than reducing the amount of salt specified (the original recipe stated 300g which I didn’t feel was necessary by the second time I made it), you can add a little extra salt back in if you prefer.

Believe me, it’s so much more satisfying making your own stock with real vegetables, and it really is so simple…so no excuses! Right?

Recipe: Homemade Veggie stock paste

Makes the equivalent of 40 stock cubes

Ingredients

• 200g celery

• 2 large carrots

• 1 onion- quartered

• 1 courgette- cut into chunks

• 1 garlic clove

• 50g fresh mushrooms

• 1 bay leaf

• 5g each of basil, sage, rosemary

• 20g parsley

• 30g dry white wine

• 1tbs olive oil

• 150g sea salt or unrefined rock salt

Method

In a food processor place all veg and chop until quite fine. Place the chopped veg in a large pan then add the herbs, wine, oil and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf (if you can find it, don’t worry if not) and blend either in the pan using a hand blender, or pour into a blender, to achieve ensure a fine smooth paste.

The paste can be store in the fridge for up to 6 months.

To use, dilute each teaspoon with 300-400g water or milk substitute.