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Creating homemade vegan chicken bouillon powder is a great way to add flavor to your plant-based dishes. With just a few ingredients and minutes, this recipe provides a savory, umami-packed seasoning that can be used in soups, stews, sauces, and more.
Even though you can find commercial products that offer the same flavor, crafting your Vegan “Chicken” Bouillon Powder at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and the flavor profile, ensuring a perfect match for your dietary needs and taste preferences.
I previously relied on those vegan commercial products to infuse my recipes with that classic “chicken” flavor, a staple in many kitchens. However, a closer look at the ingredient lists on these packages sparked a desire to recreate that flavor using only the spices and ingredients already in my pantry.
This blend of pantry staples mimics the “chicken” flavor we all know and like without unnecessary extras and animal products.
This recipe is free from common allergens like dairy, nuts, gluten, and soy, making it a safe and inclusive option for various dietary needs.
I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as I do! I’m using it in almost all my savory foods!
WHAT IS BOULION?
It’s essentially a broth that can be used as a base for soups, sauces, and other dishes to add depth and richness.
Bouillon can be found in various forms, including liquid, cube, granule, and powder form.
The concentrated or dried forms are designed to be dissolved in hot water, creating an instant broth.
While traditionally made from meat, vegetable versions are also available, making it a versatile ingredient for both non-vegetarian and vegetarian/vegan cuisines.
It’s a kitchen staple for enhancing the flavor of a wide range of recipes, providing a quick and easy way to introduce complexity and umami to meals.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS VEGAN “CHICKEN” BOUILLON POWDER
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
This easy recipe to make vegan chicken bouillon powder whips up a potent umami seasoning in just minutes using a handful of pantry staples. Add a sprinkle to soups, stews, sauces, and more.
The recipe is super easy to prepare. The ingredients are easily available at every grocery store, and the preparation is effortless.
Combine and blend all ingredients to a fine powder, then taste and adjust to your liking. Store the vegan “chicken” bouillon powder in an airtight container and use it by dissolving it in boiling water or sprinkling it directly into dishes for instant flavor enhancement.
And that’s a high-level summary; now, let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Here’s a list of essential kitchen tools needed to prepare the recipe:
- A food processor or high-speed blender, to blend everything to a fine powder.
- An airtight container for storage.
- Measuring spoons and cups to ensure accuracy with your ingredients.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this easy and versatile recipe:
- Nutritional Yeast: Brings a cheesy, umami flavor, enriching the broth with B vitamins. This ingredient is essential as it serves as a base and thickener, imparting flavor and richness to the broth.
- Onion & Garlic Powder: The foundation of flavor, adding depth and a hint of sweetness.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the overall taste; adjusts to your liking.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that introduces complexity and aromatic notes.
- Celery Seed and Dried Rosemary. Add a layer of earthy, slightly bitter flavors, mimicking the complexity of chicken broth.
- Ground Turmeric: Offers a golden color, making the broth visually appealing and adding anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Ground Black Pepper: Introduces a subtle heat, rounding out the flavor profile.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this vegan chicken bouillon powder, follow these steps:
Combine Ingredients: Toss everything into your food processor or blender. Pulse until you achieve a fine, uniform powder. If you’re doing it by hand, whisk vigorously in a bowl.
Taste and Adjust: Give it a sample. Feel free to tweak the mixture to your heart’s desire.
Storage: Move your bouillon powder to an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry spot for longevity.
Usage: Dissolve 1 teaspoon in a cup of boiling water for a broth, or sprinkle directly into your cooking for an instant flavor boost.
What you’ll love about this recipe?
- Versatility: Use it in soups, stews, gravies, or any recipe calling for chicken bouillon.
- Health Benefits: Packed with nutrients without additives, oils, and sugar in store-bought versions.
- Budget-Friendly: Making your own bouillon powder is a great way to save money compared to store-bought varieties.
- Long-lasting: Store your homemade vegan chicken bouillon powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Let’s prepare this vegan chicken bouillon powder!
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
EASY VEGAN “CHICKEN” BOUILLON POWDER
Ingredients
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- ½ Tbsp Sea salt (adjust to taste*)
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp celery seed
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp ground turmeric (for color)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or high-speed blender, blend the nutritional yeast flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, Italian seasoning, celery seed, turmeric, and ground black pepper until the mixture is fine and evenly mixed**.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add more salt for a saltier taste or increase the herbs for a more potent herbal flavor.
- Storage: Transfer the vegan chicken bouillon powder to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place. It should last for several months, but remember that its flavor might diminish over time, so it's best used within the first few months.
- Usage: Use this bouillon powder in any recipe that calls for chicken bouillon. A good starting point is to use 1 teaspoon of powder per cup of boiling water to create a broth, but you can adjust this according to your taste preferences and the requirements of your recipe.
Notes
- * Feel free to use less salt or no salt to adjust to your dietary needs or preference for less salty broth.
- ** If a blender or food processor is unavailable, you can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly combined. However, if you plan to use the powder to prepare the broth, it’s better to blend the ingredients until you get a powder.
- You can grind the spices in a spice grinder if you don’t have a food processor or blender.
- Use high-quality nutritional yeast for the best flavor.
- The Vegan “Chicken” Bouillon Powder can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several months, typically up to 6 months for optimal flavor. Over time, the intensity of the spices and seasonings may diminish, so it’s best used within the first few months for the fullest flavor. If you notice any changes in smell, taste, or appearance, it’s best to discard it and make a fresh batch. Remember, keeping it away from direct sunlight and moisture will help preserve its quality and extend its shelf life.
- Be sure to taste your bouillon powder before adding it to your dishes, as the flavor intensity can vary depending on the ingredients you use.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS VEGAN “CHICKEN” BOUILLON POWDER
This versatile Vegan “Chicken” Bouillon Powder can elevate a multitude of dishes beyond the basics, offering a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and complex. Here are some examples:
- Stir into Creamy Sauces: Whisk a teaspoon into your vegan bechamel or Alfredo sauces to add a savory undertone that complements pasta and vegetable bake.
- Enhance Vegan Gravies: Mix into your roux-based gravies for a richer, more robust flavor, perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, vegan meatloaf, or savory pies.
- Season Roasted Vegetables: Before roasting, toss vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with a sprinkle of this bouillon powder for an extra flavor kick.
- Rice & Grains: Cook your grains in the bouillon-infused water for an extra layer of flavor.
- Marinades: Add it to your marinades for a savory depth. It is ideal for flavoring vegan protein options like tofu, tempeh, and soy curls.
- Boost Plant-Based Stews and soups: A spoonful can deepen the flavors in lentil stews, vegetable soups, and chili, adding a comforting and hearty element.
DID YOU MAKE THIS VEGAN “CHICKEN” BOUILLON POWDER?
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