Unseasoned Chicken Broth: The Secret to Perfect Homemade Stock
p>Is it recommended to add salt when making homemade chicken broth? The answer, surprisingly, is no. Salt enhances taste, but just not too much. Chicken stock on its own can be pretty bland, making your soups, sauces, or stews lackluster unless you do something with it. Adding salt to any dish changes its taste, so it's a crucial ingredient to control flavor.p>
Adding Salt in Homemade Chicken Stock
p>When I make homemade stock, I don't add any salt. My wife is sensitive to sodium, and it's far easier to add more salt later than to remove it. This approach keeps the process simple and adaptable to various dishes. Similarly, I don't add a lot of garlic because I can always add more later, but I can also have a milder flavor if that suits the recipe. The key is to keep ingredients simple so that adjustments can be made to taste.p>Why Not Season Your Stock?
p>Stock is the foundation for various dishes, including soups, sauces, and stews. Seasoning the stock can lead to issues where the finished dish could end up too salty, especially if you're making different recipes with it. A well-seasoned stock will intensify its flavor when reduced, another reason to keep it bland. You should season your dish with the unseasoned stock and then adjust the taste to your liking once the final dish is complete.p>Stock Preparation and Versatility
p>My wife prepares and freezes large quantities of unseasoned stocks, such as beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and more. She doesn't know what she will use each stock for until she actually needs it. This approach ensures that the stock can be customized for the specific recipe at the point of use. For instance, if she's making a sausage-based dish, she can add the appropriate seasoning at the end, ensuring the finished product is well-balanced and flavorful.p>In summary, unless you know exactly what you will use the stock for, it's best to keep it unseasoned. Homemade chicken broth should allow you to control the salinity of future dishes. By following these tips, you can enhance your cooking and ensure that your soups, sauces, and stews are perfectly balanced in flavor.p>