Three original and easy-to-make broths that will be useful in the kitchen for everyone

Warms and relieves pain

Ernesta Dapkienė, director of Maxima’s Communication and Image Department, notes that Lithuanians especially like broths, and this food has already become a traditional component of the winter diet. This, according to the interlocutor, is not surprising, since it is included in the daily diet of many, evaluating both the quick preparation and the health benefits.

“Taking care of the latter, especially now, is everyone’s priority. Therefore, last year we saw an increase in the number of soup sales. In 2020, compared to 2019, we sold almost 10% of this product. More. When we analyze the seasonality of the trade, we see a clear trend: sales increase more in January. In addition, we have noticed that buyers are choosing more and more healthy, organic and quality wines. Their sales increased by up to 14 percent. Therefore, in response to the needs of our customers, we pay special attention to the quality of our products and the abundance of our range, thus ensuring that our customers always find healthy and healthy alternatives ”, emphasizes E. Dapkienė.

At that time, B. Baratinskaitė adds: Including broths in your daily diet is a truly rational and balanced decision. This food, according to a culinary expert, provides the body with the necessary fluids.

“Warm liquids relieve the swelling of the nose and throat, the pain and irritation of the latter, the cough. However, there are opinions that only natural and homemade bone broths are good for health. Still, you can find organic products in stores that are easier to prepare, and their good qualities are definitely not inferior to those products. Therefore, such a quality broth is the most important ingredient in a delicious soup. Just to maintain the best quality of this product, it should be remembered to store it in a dry place at room temperature. Humidity and cold can hurt, ”says B. Baratinskaitė.

Delicious and aromatic: hard cheese broth

You will need: 250 g of hard cheese, 1.5 liters of water, a larger onion, 3 cloves of garlic, a pinch of black pepper, a bunch of stemmed parsley leaves, a little salt.

Peel an onion and cut it into quarters. Boil water in a pot and add all the products. Cook over low heat, stirring for about an hour. At the end of cooking, salt and strain everything through a strainer. Result: 1-1.2 liters of aromatic yellowish broth.

“This recipe is unconventional. Hard cheese broth has an exceptional flavor and aroma, as well as a host of different uses. You can cook vegetable soup, flavor other dishes like risotto. However, it is perfect to eat alone: this broth will surprise everyone who wants a gourmet and unusual experience ”, promises B. Baratinskaitė.

Light but expressive: dry boletus broth

You will need: 1 liter of water, 1 bouillon cube, 100 g of dried boletus, a handful of pearl barley.

Boil the dried mushrooms in water, pour the latter and add the bouillon cube and the grains to the decoction. Cook for about half an hour, eat hot or cold.

“This stock recipe is traditional, authentic and Lithuanian. It is extremely easy to prepare, delicious to eat, it is worth using it for other dishes. Said broth can even be poured into jars and frozen and enjoyed later. The dried boletus gives the dish a special and expressive flavor ”, says a culinary expert.

Classic and time-tested: vegetable broth

You will need: a couple of larger carrots, a stalk of parsley, 1 onion, 1 celery, 4 cloves of garlic, 1 leek, a pinch of salt and allspice, 1 bay leaf, 2 liters of water.

Place the washed, cleaned and chopped vegetables in a pot. Pour them into cold water and simmer for up to 40 minutes. At the end of cooking, add salt and pepper to the broth, add the bay leaves. After cooking, let it rest for 15 minutes. Then strain the liquid through a strainer and taste.

“This recipe can be called a true carefree classic. Vegetable broth is especially quick and easy to prepare in the form of such a dish; like other culinary ideas mentioned above, it is suitable for seasoning other soups. In addition, the ingredients can be presented as a garnish. However, the most important thing is that this vegetable broth is extremely nutritious and useful, it does not burden the body, it warms it up, it gives it strength ”, says B. Baratinskaitė.