For More Flavorful Broth, Start Making It In A French Press

The French press is one of the greatest gifts to the culinary world. The method of slowly steeping coarse coffee grounds creates a more flavorful and robust cup of joe, with a limited amount of work. So if the French press works such wonders for your java, why can't it be used to elevate broth? The short answer is, it most certainly can. In the same way that you would prepare a coffee, you can prepare an expertly infused, intensely aromatic broth, perfect for any and all occasions. 

Need a ginger and scallion spiked broth for an impromptu bowl of noodles? Use the French press. Want to provide your batch of freshly shredded rotisserie chicken with a garlicky base? French press. The convenience of this device is two-fold, offering a speedy and powerful way to create broth and a way to infuse the flavor of fresh herbs without making them turn bitter. While most long-simmering broth recipes often call for dried herbs because the fresh version goes bitter during extended cooking periods, this fast broth-making process won't take your leafy greens to the dark side.    

So how should you go about making your own French press broth? First, considering that you'll want to make coffee in it again, choose a broth recipe that isn't going to leave a strong-smelling residue like shrimp stock. Instead, opt for clean broths that skew vegetarian, like a dried mushroom and ginger-fueled broth or kelp-packed dashi. Second, don't leave the aromatics you choose whole, as they won't be boiling long enough for the broth to extract their full flavor. Crush, chop, or slice your herbs and spices for the most flavorful result. 

You can also sauté your alliums before adding them in to jump-start the infusion process as well but, again, chopping up your onions and garlic can also help. Once you've prepped your aromatics, you'll place them in the bottom of your French press and bring water to a boil on the stove. After reaching the boiling point, you'll take the water and pour it over and let it all steep together for five to seven minutes. Then, a quick press and pour is the only thing keeping you from your fast and tasty broth. With this clever hack in your back pocket, you'll consider your French press one of the more versatile kitchen tools you own.