Caffeine Free Classic Court Bouillon
This aromatic poaching liquid is a French kitchen staple that transforms simple proteins and vegetables into something genuinely elegant. Built from white wine, vinegar, fresh herbs, lemon, and a handful of aromatics, it simmers into a fragrant, lightly golden broth that carries incredible depth without a drop of coffee, tea, or anything caffeinated in sight. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of stimulants, so there's no label-reading required — just wholesome, flavorful cooking from start to finish. The combination of thyme, parsley, bay leaves, and peppercorns creates a complexity that makes poached fish, shellfish, or vegetables taste like they came out of a proper bistro kitchen. Once strained, the liquid is silky and clean, ready to use right away or stashed in the freezer for whenever you need it. It's the kind of foundational recipe that quietly upgrades everything you cook it with.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 8 cups cold water
- 2 cups dry white wine
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
- 4 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, white wine, and white wine vinegar in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
- 2
Add the carrots, celery, onion, lemon slices, parsley sprigs, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, black peppercorns, fennel seeds (if using), and kosher salt.
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