A Facebook user, L.N., shared an interesting story on a social media forum about a couple’s disagreement over cooking methods. L.N. prefers to use the water from boiling meat to cook vegetables or make soup, while her husband insists on boiling meat and vegetables separately.
TS Tu Ngu, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Nutrition Association, offered his insights on this topic:
It is true that meat broth is nutritious. When meat is boiled, the fatty substance that rises to the top is protein. Drinking this broth gives you the sweet taste of meat. Therefore, it is perfectly healthy to cook vegetables in meat broth or use it for soup, as it enhances protein and nutrient intake.
However, meat broth can also contain impurities. Pork, for instance, often has external contaminants that, if not properly cleaned, will leave residue and black foam in the broth. If not carefully removed, boiling vegetables in this water can expose you to higher levels of toxins, potentially affecting your overall health and making your meal less appetizing.
Meat Broth Indeed Contains Abundant Nutrients
To eliminate these impurities, briefly blanch the meat to allow the contaminants to escape with the foam. Then, rinse the meat under clean running water and boil it again until it’s cooked. While this method may result in a slight loss of nutrients and a less sweet broth, it significantly improves hygiene.
Therefore, it is advisable to purchase meat from a reliable source, ensuring it is fresh and properly processed. If you come across spoiled or stale meat, discard it immediately. For individuals with weight management issues or concerns about blood fat and liver fat, it is recommended to avoid using the broth from boiling fatty meats like pork belly.
Frequently asked questions
Using meat broth can add depth of flavor and nutrients to your vegetables and soup. It is a great way to enhance the taste of your dish and make it more appetizing. However, it is important to consider the type of meat broth used and the overall balance of flavors in your dish.
Meat broth adds richness and flavor to vegetables and soups. It also contributes additional protein, collagen, and minerals, making your meal more nutritious. Using meat broth is a great way to boost the umami taste in your dishes.
One potential downside is overdoing it with the meat broth, which can make your dish too salty or overpower the flavors of the other ingredients. It’s important to taste and adjust seasoning as you cook. Additionally, those on a low-sodium diet or with specific dietary restrictions may need to be cautious when using meat broth due to its potentially high salt content.
When selecting a meat broth, consider the type of meat and the overall flavor profile you want to achieve. For example, a chicken broth tends to be lighter in flavor, while a beef broth has a richer, heartier taste. You can also make your own meat broth, which allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Absolutely! There are alternative ways to add flavor to your vegetables and soup. You can use vegetable broth, herbs, spices, or even try blanching your vegetables instead of boiling them. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to find what works best for your taste preferences and dietary needs.
