HERB AND GARLIC BROTH

HERB AND GARLIC BROTH image

Yield 4-6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 heads garlic, as fresh and firm as possible
1 T. olive oil
1 T. tomato paste
2 bay leaves
10 peppercorns
2 cloves
6 large fresh sage leaves or 2 tsp. dried sage
6 fresh thyme sprigs or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
10 parsley branches
2 tsp. salt

Steps:

Separate the garlic cloves by pressing down on the heads. Remove most of the papery skins, then smash the cloves with the flat side of a knife to open them up. Heat the oil in a soup pot, add the tomato paste, and fry over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add the garlic, remaining ingredients, and 2 qts. water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the garlic cloves are soft, about 45 minutes. Strain. Press the garlic through the strainer with the back of a spoon into the broth or press into a dish and use for another purpose.