Brodo di Parmigiano (Parmesan Broth)

A rich, savory Italian broth made from Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rinds, aromatic vegetables, and herbs. This versatile broth can be used as a base for soups or reduced into a flavorful pasta sauce.

8 servings
5 hr 35 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rinds
  • 1 small Italian sausage
  • 2 whole yellow onions
  • 2 whole russet potatoes
  • 2 whole carrots
  • 1 head garlic
  • 13 leaves bay leaves
  • 11 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon juniper berries
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Add everything but the parsley to a large stockpot with 3 quarts water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer so low you see only a bubble every 10 seconds or so. Maintain this simmer for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

    240 min

  2. 2.

    Add the parsley and simmer for 1 more hour. Strain all of the solids out of the stock with a sieve over a bowl and use the broth immediately, or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or the freezer for up to 1 month.

    60 min

  3. 3.

    To make a soup-like pasta dish, boil the pasta directly in the broth along with greens such as kale, bok choy, or broccoli.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    To make a thicker sauce to coat noodles, simmer to reduce the brodo by half, then toss it with pasta just before serving.

    20 min