Question

How can I make a mushroom-based vegan broth that doesn't taste like soy sauce or salt, but has a nice earthy flavour from mushrooms only?

Answer 1

Creating a mushroom-based vegan broth with a distinct earthy flavor is possible without relying on soy sauce or excessive salt. Here's a simple recipe that highlights the natural flavors of mushrooms:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or any other vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) fresh mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello), sliced
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) water or vegetable broth
• A handful of dried porcini mushrooms (optional, for added depth)
• 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme or a pinch of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.

2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the sliced fresh mushrooms to the pot. Cook them until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly, which helps to enhance their flavor. This may take about 8-10 minutes.

4. If using dried porcini mushrooms, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate. Once rehydrated, add them to the pot along with their soaking liquid. The liquid from the porcini mushrooms adds a rich, earthy flavor to the broth.

5. Pour in the water or vegetable broth and add the fresh thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Lower the heat and let the broth gently simmer for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Be cautious with the salt since the goal is to avoid an overpowering salty taste.

8. Remove the thyme sprigs (if using fresh thyme) and strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solid particles.

Your mushroom-based vegan broth with a delightful earthy flavor is now ready to use! You can enjoy it as a sipping broth, use it as a base for soups, or incorporate it into various dishes for added depth and flavor. If you wish to intensify the mushroom flavor further, you can experiment with different mushroom varieties or add a splash of mushroom umami seasoning (made from dried and ground mushrooms) instead of salt.