Classic Beef Stock Recipe: Rich & Flavorful - [Your Brand/Site Name]

INGREDIENTS

4 pounds meaty beef bones 2 large onions, cut into wedges 2 large carrots, halved 4 stalks celery, halved 3‑1/2 quarts cold water, divided 8 sprigs fresh parsley 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 6 black peppercorns 3 whole cloves

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Rinse bones in cold water. Place bones in large roasting pan; roast in oven 30 minutes, turning once.
2. Arrange onions, carrots and celery over bones. Roast 30 minutes more.*

   *For added zip, spread 3 ounces tomato paste over bones at this point. Roast an additional 15 minutes. Proceed as directed in step 3.

3. Transfer bones and vegetables to stockpot or 5-quart Dutch oven. Skim and discard fat from roasting pan.
4. To deglaze roasting pan, add 2 cups water to pan. Cook over medium-high heat, scraping up brown bits and stirring constantly 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture has reduced by about half. Transfer mixture to stockpot.
5. Add remaining 3 quarts water, parsley, bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns and cloves to stockpot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, uncovered, 3 to 4 hours, skimming foam off top occasionally.
6. Remove stock from heat; cool slightly. Remove large bones. Strain stock through large sieve or colander lined with several layers of damp cheesecloth set over large bowl; discard bones and vegetables.
7. Use immediately or refrigerate stock in tightly covered container up to 2 days or freeze stock in storage containers for several months.

This recipe appears in: Beef and Parsnip Stew  /  Broths & Stock