Chicken Broth

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a stockpot, stir together all the ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat. Skim any foam off the top. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 1 to 2 hours if not using the extra bones or 3 to 4 hours with the extra bones (to prevent cloudiness, don’t let the broth return to a boil).

   Step 2

   Remove the chicken and reserve for another use. Discard the bones. Strain the broth into an airtight container, discarding the vegetables, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Cover and refrigerate the broth for 1 to 2 hours, or until the fat hardens on the surface. Discard the hardened fat before reheating the broth.

2. Cook’s Tip on Freezing Broth

   Step 3

   Freeze broth in airtight containers to use by itself or as the base for other soups. Freeze small amounts of leftover broth in ice cube trays for future use as an ideal low-sodium seasoning. Put 1 tablespoon of broth in each compartment of the tray, then freeze. Remove the broth cubes from the tray and store them in an airtight plastic freezer bag so you’ll have a tablespoon at a time whenever you need it. For some recipes, such as soups that use just a small amount of broth, you can toss in the still-frozen cubes. For dishes such as casseroles, first thaw the cubes in the microwave or for several hours in the refrigerator.

3. Step 4

   This broth, Beef Broth (page 52), and Vegetable Broth (page 53) are much lower in sodium than most commercially available low-sodium broths, so it’s a good idea to have plenty of these homemade broths on hand.

4. Nutrition Information

   Step 5

   (Per serving)

   Step 6

   Calories: 8

   Step 7

   Total fat: 0.0g

   Step 8

   Saturated: 0.0g

   Step 9

   Trans: 0.0g

   Step 10

   Polyunsaturated: 0.0g

   Step 11

   Monounsaturated: 0.0g

   Step 12

   Cholesterol: 0mg

   Step 13

   Sodium: 19mg

   Step 14

   Carbohydrates: 0g

   Step 15

   Fiber: 0g

   Step 16

   Sugars: 0g

   Step 17

   Protein: 2g

   Step 18

   Calcium: 4mg

   Step 19

   Potassium: 75mg

5. Dietary Exchanges

   Step 20

   Free