Maureens Chicken Broth With Very Low Sodium Recipes

CHICKEN BROTH

Steps:

• Combine the chicken, vegetables, herbs, and peppercorns in a large stockpot. Pour in enough water to just cover the chicken completely. Heat the water to just under a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a very low simmer, so that 1 or 2 bubbles break the surface of the broth about once a minute. Skim any fat and scum from the surface with a ladle, large spoon, or skimmer. (To prevent losing a lot of stock when skimming, put the skimmed liquid into a degreasing cup, and return any useable broth back to the pot.) Cook for about 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through but not dry.
• Remove the chicken from the pot, but continue to simmer the broth. Cool the chicken for about 10 minutes. Cut the chicken meat from the bone, and reserve for a chicken salad, soup, or other recipe. Return the bones to the pot and cook for 1 hour.
• Strain into a non-reactive container, like another pot, a large bowl, or plastic quart or pint containers. Fill the sink with a mixture of ice and cold water so it comes about halfway up the sides of the container. Nestle the broth in the ice bath. (Stirring the broth speeds up the cooling process.) Cover and refrigerate or freeze the broth for future use. Broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the broth is unused after 5 days bring it to a boil before using.

CHICKEN BROTH

Steps:

• To a large pot add the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns and water to cover, about 14 cups. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Skim the top of the broth of any impurities rise to the surface. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer the broth, uncovered, for 1 hour, skimming as needed.
• Remove the chicken to a plate. Continue to simmer the broth. Use tongs to handle and shred the meat of the chicken and set aside for another use. Return the bones and skin to the broth and continue to simmer for an additional hour.
• Remove from the heat and strain the broth. Discard the bones and vegetables and allow the broth to cool. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

SCOTT'S VEGETABLE BROTH WITH VERY LOW SODIUM

Steps:

• Place all the ingredients into a stockpot and simmer, partially covered, for 8 hours or overnight. Stir occasionally.
• Skim off any scum that appears. Cook it this way for 45 minutes. (If using a crockpot, cook on LOW for 8-12 hours and skim scum when done.).
• Remove the ingredients from the pot and strain the stock through cheesecloth or a cheesecloth-lined vegetable strainer or sieve. Throw out the solids.
• Simmer the strained stock until it reduces to about 8 cups.
• If making ahead, let cool and store in 2-cup freezer containers to approximate the volume of one can of soup.