vegetable bouillon
Also known as: Knorr vegetable bouillon, concentrated vegetable broth, vegetable stock concentrate, veg broth concentrate
A concentrated, shelf-stable form of vegetable stock, sold either as a paste in a jar, small dried cubes, or individually wrapped concentrated packets (Knorr is a widely available brand in all three forms) meant to be dissolved in or combined with hot water to reconstitute into broth. A pantry shortcut for vegetable broth, and also used in smaller amounts to boost the savoriness of a broth or soup that's already been made.
Buying guidance
Paste-style concentrate dissolves more smoothly and tends to taste fresher than dried cubes, since it isn't dehydrated -- it keeps refrigerated after opening rather than sitting shelf-stable indefinitely the way cubes or sealed packets do. Cubes and individually wrapped packets are the most shelf-stable and convenient to keep on hand without refrigeration. Check the sodium content on the label, since brands and forms vary widely and it's easy to oversalt a dish that also has salt added separately.
Substitutions
- Homemade or store-bought vegetable broth -- the better option whenever it's on hand; use it in place of water plus bouillon.
- A different bouillon brand or form (cube, paste, packet, or granules) -- interchangeable by the manufacturer's stated water ratio, though strength and saltiness vary by brand.
- Chicken bouillon -- a less strictly vegetarian stand-in with a meatier background flavor, if vegetable bouillon isn't available.
Tips & common mistakes
Using it at full strength on top of a recipe that already calls for broth as a separate ingredient can double up the sodium without it being obvious -- when a recipe calls for both broth and added bouillon, that's usually deliberate flavor-boosting rather than a sign to add even more.
Storage
Cubes and sealed concentrate packets keep for a long time at room temperature, away from moisture, which makes them clump. Paste concentrate needs refrigeration after opening and is best used within several months, unlike a sealed packet or cube.