You make celery broth by simmering celery with aromatics in water until the flavor infuses into a light, savory liquid.
It’s one of the easiest homemade broths you can make, and it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover celery stalks, leaves, and even the base.
Whether you’re making celery broth for soup, sipping it as a warm drink, or using it as a base for grains and sauces, this guide will walk you through everything.
In this post, we’ll cover why you’d want to make celery broth, how to make celery broth step by step, variations to try, and tips for storing it so nothing goes to waste.
Let’s dive in.
Why Make Celery Broth?
Celery broth is worth making for plenty of reasons, and here are the big ones:
1. It’s a Great Way to Reduce Food Waste
Celery is one of those vegetables that often gets partially used and then forgotten in the crisper drawer.
When you make celery broth, you can toss in the stalks, the leaves, and even the trimmed base.
Nothing goes to waste, and you get a flavorful liquid in return.
2. It’s Light and Versatile
Celery broth has a clean, mild flavor that won’t overpower other ingredients.
That makes it perfect for soups, risottos, and stews where you want a subtle savory backbone.
You can also sip it on its own when you want something warm and gentle on the stomach.
3. It’s Simple and Cheap
Making celery broth requires just a few basic ingredients and a pot.
There’s no need for expensive store-bought cartons when you can make celery broth at home for pennies.
Plus, homemade broth tastes fresher and lets you control the sodium.
How Do You Make Celery Broth Step by Step?
Making celery broth is straightforward, and here’s the process:
1. Gather Your Ingredients
To make celery broth, you’ll need about 8 to 10 cups of chopped celery, including leaves.
Add one onion (quartered), two carrots (roughly chopped), three garlic cloves (smashed), a bay leaf, and a teaspoon of black peppercorns.
You’ll also need about 10 to 12 cups of water and salt to taste.
2. Combine Everything in a Pot
Toss all your ingredients into a large stockpot and pour the water over them.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce it to a simmer.
You want a gentle bubble, not a rolling boil, so the celery broth stays clear.
3. Simmer and Let the Flavors Develop
Let your celery broth simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to an hour.
The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor becomes, but don’t go past 90 minutes or it can turn bitter.
Skim off any foam that rises to the top for a cleaner broth.
4. Strain and Season
Once your celery broth has finished simmering, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
Press gently on the solids to release extra liquid, then discard the vegetables.
Taste your celery broth and add salt as needed, starting with just a pinch.
5. Cool and Store
Let your celery broth cool to room temperature before storing it.
Pour it into jars or containers, leaving a bit of headspace if you plan to freeze it.
You can keep celery broth in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it for three months.
Ways to Customize Your Celery Broth
One of the best things about celery broth is how easy it is to tweak.
1. Add Other Vegetables
While celery broth shines on its own, you can add mushrooms, leeks, or fennel for extra depth.
Just avoid strong veggies like broccoli or cabbage, which can dominate the pot.
2. Try Herbs and Spices
Fresh thyme, parsley stems, or a pinch of coriander seed can elevate your celery broth.
If you want a bit of heat, drop in a dried chili or some ginger slices.
3. Make It a Sipping Broth
To turn celery broth into a cozy drink, add a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt before serving.
You can also stir in some miso or tamari for a savory, umami-rich twist.
So, How Do You Make Celery Broth?
You make celery broth by simmering celery with aromatics in water until the flavor infuses into a light, savory liquid.
It’s one of the easiest homemade broths you can make, and it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover celery stalks, leaves, and even the base.
Whether you’re making celery broth for soup, sipping it as a warm drink, or using it as a base for grains and sauces, you now have everything you need.
So grab that bunch of celery, and make celery broth.