Basic Beef Stock Recipes

SIMPLE BEEF STOCK A LA JULIA CHILD

Steps:

• Place the beef bones in a large heavy pot and cover with cold water by about two inches.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat and skim the sum which rises to the top--this should take about five minutes.
• Add the remaining ingredients and more cold water so that everything is covered by at least an inch or two.
• Bring the stock to a simmer again, skimming as necessary.
• When the stock is simmering (Do NOT allow it to boil), partially cover and maintain at a very slow simmer for four to five hours.
• If the water level gets too low, add boiling water to the pot.
• Skim as necessary.
• When the vegetables and the bones have given their all to the broth, strain the broth and discard the solids.
• Set the stock, uncovered in the refrigerator until the fat has risen to the top and solidified.
• Remove and discard the fat.
• Taste the degreased stock (remembering it contains no salt) and if it is not strong enough, reduce it over medium heat.
• When the stock is cold, store in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer.

BASIC BEEF STOCK

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Arrange the beef shanks and short ribs in a single layer in an ungreased large shallow roasting pan.
• Roast, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until nicely browned.
• Transfer the shanks and ribs to a stockpot.
• Pour off all the fat from the roasting pan.
• Add 2 cups of the water to the pan and swirl it around, scraping any browned bits of meat or juices.
• Add to the stockpot along with the remaining water.
• Bring the water to a boil, uncovered, over high heat, skimming off any scum.
• Add the onions, carrots, tomato, garlic cloves, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, and salt; partially cover and simmer for 3 hours, occasionally skimming off the scum.
• Remove the short ribs and save to use on another day.
• Continue simmering the stock, partially covered, 1 hour longer.
• Pour all through a large colander or sieve set over a very large heatproof bowl.
• Save the shank meat for soup or another use.
• Discard the other solids.
• Let the stock cool; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• In the morning, discard the fat that has solidified on top.
• Ladle stock into ice cube trays.
• Freeze; place in freezer bags for future use.

HOMEMADE BEEF STOCK

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F. In a roasting pan, combine beef bones, stew meat, carrots, and onion. Drizzle with oil, tossing to evenly coat, and spread in a single layer. Roast, turning everything once halfway through, until meat is browned on all sides, about 45 minutes.
• Transfer bones, meat, and vegetables to a stockpot. Place roasting pan over two burners, add 1/2 cup water, and bring to a boil, scraping browned bits from bottom; transfer mixture to stockpot. Add enough water to pot to cover meat and vegetables by about 2 inches (5 to 6 quarts). Bring to a boil, skimming foam and impurities from surface.
• Add celery stalks and leaves, peppercorns, thyme, and parsley sprigs. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer, uncovered, until mixture is darkened and reduced slightly, and bones have released their marrow, 8 to 12 hours.
• Strain stock through a fine-mesh sieve (line it with cheesecloth for clearest possible stock). Let stand until fat rises to surface, then skim it from stock with a spoon. Freeze fat to use in place of oil or schmaltz in savory dishes. Stock can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 week, or frozen up to 6 months.