Magic Mineral Broth

This isn’t just a regular vegetable stock. This pot of yum is high in potassium and numerous trace minerals. Sipping this nutrient-rich stock is like giving your body an internal spa treatment. Use it as a base for all your favorite soups and rice dishes. Don’t be daunted by the ingredient list. Simply chop the ingredients in chunks and throw them in the pots, roots, skins, and all.

Ingredients

6 unpeeled carrots with half the green tops, cut into thirds
2 unpeeled medium yellow onions, cut into chunks
1 leek, both white and green parts, cut into thirds
1 bunch celery, including the heart, cut into thirds
4 unpeeled cloves garlic, halved
½ bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 medium red potatoes with skins on, quartered
2 Japanese or Hannah’s yams or sweet potatoes with skins on, quartered
1 Garnet yam with skin on, quartered
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 (6-inch by 1-inch) strip of kombu
2 bay leaves
12 black peppercorns
4 whole allspice or juniper berries

In a 12-quart or larger stockpot, combine all the ingredients. Fill the pot to 2 inches below the rim with water, cover, and bring to a boil.

Remove the lid, decrease the heat to low, and simmer a minimum of 2 hours. As the stock simmers, some of the water will evaporate; add more if the vegetables begin to peek out. Simmer until the full richness of the vegetables can be tasted.

Strain the stock using a large coarse-mesh strainer (remember to use a heat-resistant container underneath). Bring to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.

Makes 6 to 7 quarts.

If you don’t have time to make this broth from scratch, substitute Pacific or Imagine brand vegetable stock, add an equal quantity of water, a piece of kombu, and one potato. Boil for 20 minutes and strain. Magic Mineral Broth can be frozen up to 6 months in a variety of airtight container sizes for every use. Kombu can be purchased in many Asian food sections of grocery stores or online.

© 2004. Reprinted from “One Bite at a Time – Nourishing Recipes for Cancer Survivors and Their Friends” with permission from Celestial Arts.