Stock stock.

I’m a strong advocate for homemade stock. Store-bought not only lacks the same depth of flavor, but even low-sodium versions end up too salty when reduced. The answer? Make your own.

Vegetable stock is a simple mix of carrot, onion and celery, thyme sprigs and parsley stems, bay leaves and peppercorns. Simmered for 30-40 minutes, it’s flavorful and ready just as you finish the rest of your vegetable prep, easily completed for a Tuesday night meal.

“But,” you say, “I want to make chicken stock.” Simple, just add chicken parts. If you are lucky enough to live near a market that breaks down whole chickens in to breasts, wings, legs and thighs, then you can buy backs and necks for about $1 per pound. Simmer for three hours and you have beautiful, rich stock.

“But wait,” you say,” I never have three hours to cook anything.”

I’m going to make an assumption, and forgive me if I offend, but sometime in the next, let’s say 45 days, you are going to wake up on Saturday morning just a little hungover. Your big plan for the day is to sit on the couch with a giant cup of coffee and watch Tyra Banks chew out models for 8 hours straight (or you’re just checking out the models). Either way, there is no reason that a big pot of stock can’t be simmering on the back of the stove.

We’ve posted recipes for chicken stock and vegetable stock before. Here are two stocks that we use for Indian or Asian sauces, soups and braises.

Asian Stock

Perfect for soups, stir-frys and sauces.

Ingredients:

• 1 carrot, roughly chopped
• 3 ribs celery, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 1 leek, roughly chopped
• 1 sheet kombu seaweed
• 1-2 cups Shitake mushroom stems
• 2 tbs soy sauce
• 2 tbs rice wine vinegar

Directions:

• Place all ingredients in a stock pot and cover with 8-10 cups water.
• Simmer for 40 minutes and strain solids reserving stock.

Indian Stock

This special stock adds additional richness to Indian-flavored dishes. You could also use it for soup with the addition of lightly browned pieces of carrot, potato and chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbs ghee or butter
• 1 carrot, roughly chopped
• 3 ribs celery, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 1 leek, roughly chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cardamom pods
• 2 whole cloves

Directions:

• Melt ghee in a stock pot over medium-high heat. Add carrot, celery, onion and leek and cook until browned.
• Add cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Cook for 1 minute more and fill with 8 cups water.
• Simmer for 40 minutes and strain solids reserving stock.