Save to Pinterest This soothing onion broth blends yellow onions, garlic, celery, and carrot simmered with bay leaf, peppercorns, and thyme to create a warming, flavorful liquid perfect for a light, comforting meal. It’s quick to make, highlighting the natural sweetness of slow-cooked onions, enhanced by optional lemon juice and fresh parsley garnish. Simple, nourishing, and versatile, it can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other dishes.
Discovering this soothing, flavorful onion broth felt like finding a small secret to comfort food that’s both simple and healing. It quickly became my go-to when I needed something warm and gentle on the soul.
I remember the first time I made this for unexpected guests; it felt like magic how such humble ingredients turned into something so nourishing everyone asked for seconds.
Ingredients
- Yellow onions: I always use large ones peeled and quartered to ensure a rich, natural sweetness develops during the simmer
- Garlic cloves: Smashed to release their flavor fully without overwhelming the broth
- Celery stalk and carrot: Chopped and sliced for subtle aromatic depth and gentle earthiness
- Water: The base that carries all the flavors, I prefer filtered for purity
- Bay leaf and fresh thyme: Key for that herbal note which makes the broth feel special
- Black peppercorns and sea salt: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances naturally occurring sweetness
- Lemon juice and fresh parsley (optional): Brighten and freshen the final cup with a gentle acidity and herbaceous touch
Instructions
- The Part Where Magic Happens:
- Begin by placing the onions, garlic, celery, carrot, bay leaf, peppercorns, thyme, and salt into a large pot. Pour in the water and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma. Then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the onions turn incredibly soft and the broth becomes fragrant and inviting. Remove from heat and strain the broth through a fine mesh, discarding the solids while keeping all that good liquid gold. Taste and adjust salt to your liking, and stir in lemon juice if you like a little brightness. Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Save to Pinterest This broth has gone beyond just a meal; it became a comfort during cold winters and a quiet celebration of simple flavors shared with loved ones.
Keeping It Fresh
Storing this broth is a breeze—it keeps beautifully in the fridge for a few days and freezes like a dream without losing any flavor.
When You're Missing Something
If you find yourself without fresh thyme, dried thyme works wonderfully as a substitute while keeping that signature herbal profile intact.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
This onion broth shines on its own, but also makes an incredible base for adding noodles or grains for a more filling meal.
- Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley to brighten each bowl
- Try a splash of soy sauce for a savory twist just before serving
- Reheat gently—you want to keep the delicate flavors from fading
Save to Pinterest Thanks for spending this kitchen moment with me—may this broth bring you as much comfort and joy as it has brought me.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of onions work best?
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Large yellow onions provide a natural sweetness and rich flavor ideal for this broth.
- → Can I enhance the flavor before boiling?
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Roasting onions at 200°C for 20 minutes deepens their sweetness and adds complexity.
- → How long should the broth simmer?
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Simmering for around 30 minutes softens the vegetables and melds the flavors perfectly.
- → Are there optional ingredients for extra warmth?
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Adding chili flakes or fresh ginger slices can bring a gentle spicy warmth to the broth.
- → How is the broth served?
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Strain out solids, adjust seasoning, stir in lemon juice if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
- → Is this broth suitable for specific diets?
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It’s vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible for many dietary preferences.
