Lil Urban Farm

Day: March 12, 2025

  • Garden Vegetable Stock

    Garden Vegetable Stock

    I mentioned in my last video that I was making vegetable stock from the garden, so I’m sharing how to make it.

    I tend to use what I have on hand so I’m not spending money. Instead of an onion for this batch, I used some leek greens and parts plus a few shallots.

    However you choose to make yours, make sure there is plenty of onion and garlic-type aromatics to go along with the celery and carrots.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INSTANT POT

    Garden Vegetable Stock

    TIME:

    30 min (instant pot) | 60 min (stovetop)

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    MAKES:

    4 quarts

    HARVEST:

    Celery, carrots, onion/shallots/leeks, garlic, herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley)

    INGREDIENTS
    2 large carrots, chopped chunky
    1 bunch celery
    1 onion (or 1 leek or 4 shallots)
    3 cloves garlic, peeled
    Herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
    4 quarts water
    1 Tbsp. salt
    1 Tbsp. pepper
    1 bay leaf

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. Wash and chop your vegetables.
    2. Place vegetables in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop in a large stockpot.
    3. Set the cooker for “Soup/Broth,” which is about 30 minutes. If cooking on the stovetop, cooking time may take longer (60 minutes).
    4. Once the stock is done cooking, strain out the vegetables, keeping the broth.
    5. Use right away for making soups, risottos, etc. or let it cool and freeze for later use.

    NOTES:

    • You can add other veggie scraps to this, but some veggies work better than others and can drastically change the flavor or color. I stick to the basics but will throw in some occasional kale stems, for example (but only a few).
    • Steer clear of veggie scraps from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, or cauliflower, as they can make your stock bitter.

    MONEY-SAVING TIP:

    • Keep a freezer bag or container in your freezer to add vegetable scraps whenever you cook. When you have enough items, pull out the bag and make stock!
  • Lookout for Early Spring Bolting

    Lookout for Early Spring Bolting

    Be on the lookout for BOLTING on plants if your temperatures are fluctuating. Here in SC, zone 7B-8A, our temps have been all over the place, hitting 70F+ degrees at times. We are already seeing signs of bolting.

    WHAT IS BOLTING?
    Bolting is what we call it when the plant changes its focus to produce a flower that makes seeds, for the purpose of reproduction and having the plant variety survive.

    If you catch it fast enough, you can sometimes get a tasty treat (like these collard florets). But be aware that the further along that plant gets in the process, the flavor profile can change from a sweeter taste to a bitter, more inedible one. At this point you can let the plant go to seed to collect those (once dry) or remove it.