Name: Vegetable Broth (Brodo Vegetale)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 54 min
Total time: 69 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 medium carrots, peeled; 1 stick celery, washed (the classic Italian addition - see Safety notes on the allergen); 1 small onion, peeled and halved; 1 medium potato, peeled; 1 small courgette (zucchini), trimmed; 1.5 litres cold water; No salt, no stock cubes, no bouillon

Ingredients

2 medium carrots, peeled
1 stick celery, washed (the classic Italian addition - see Safety notes on the allergen)
1 small onion, peeled and halved
1 medium potato, peeled
1 small courgette (zucchini), trimmed
1.5 litres cold water
No salt, no stock cubes, no bouillon

Method

Wash and roughly chop all the vegetables.
Put everything in a large saucepan and cover with the cold water.
Bring to a gentle simmer, uncovered, and cook for 45-60 minutes until the vegetables are completely soft and the water has taken on their flavour.
Skim off any foam that rises in the first few minutes.
Strain through a sieve into a clean container, pressing gently on the vegetables to release the last of the liquid. Discard the solids, or keep them (see For the family).
Cool completely before storing.

Age adaptations

6-8 months

Use the strained, clear broth to loosen purees to a smooth, spoonable consistency, or offer small sips from an open cup with supervision. Do not give as a bottle feed and do not use it to replace breastmilk or formula.

9-12 months

Continue using as a cooking liquid for thicker mashes, stews and pastina (see recipe 10). Can be offered in a cup alongside meals.

12+ months

Use as the base for family soups and risottos, with your child's portion taken out before any salt is added for the rest of the household.

Storage

Fridge for 3 days in a sealed container. Freeze in ice-cube trays or small portions for up to 3 months, labelled with the date. Reheat only once, until piping hot throughout, then cool to a safe serving temperature before offering.

For the family

Keep the softened vegetables from the strainer, they are essentially a mild braise. Mash or puree them with the family's own seasoning (salt, pepper, a splash of good olive oil) for a quick side, or blitz the broth itself into a simple soup base for the grown-ups, seasoning only after your baby's portion has been set aside.

Safety notes

If you use celery, note it as an allergen: small amounts of celery protein remain in the strained liquid even though the fibrous stick itself is removed, so tag it and watch for a reaction the first time it appears in a mixed dish. No salt or stock cubes at any stage, this is meant to be a plain flavour base. Always cool before serving, never straight off the hob. Serve seated upright at the table, actively supervised and free of distractions; remember that safe preparation, not supervision, is the primary safeguard.

Vegetable Broth (Brodo Vegetale)