Homemade Beef Bouillon: Flavorful and Nutritious

Beef BouillonPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Beef bouillon, also known as beef stock, is a rich and flavorful base that can elevate a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and gravies.

Get the Recipe Details: Beef Bouillon Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 pounds of beef bones (preferably with marrow)
• 2 pounds beef shank or stew meat, diced
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 12 cups cold water
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Roasting the Bones and Meat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the beef bones and diced meat on a roasting pan. Roast for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are well-browned.
2. Preparing the Vegetables: In a large stockpot, add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and smashed garlic. Place the roasted bones and meat on top of the vegetables.
3. Deglazing the Pan: If using, pour the red wine into the roasting pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Pour this mixture into the stockpot.
4. Simmering the Stock: Add the bay leaves, black peppercorns, thyme, rosemary, and cold water to the stockpot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
5. Cooking: Let the stock simmer gently for at least 6-8 hours, preferably longer for a richer flavor. Add more water if necessary to keep the ingredients submerged.
6. Straining the Stock: After simmering, strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another large pot or container. Discard the solids.
7. Cooling and Storing: Let the stock cool to room temperature. Skim off any fat that rises to the top. Store the beef bouillon in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.

Conclusion

Homemade beef bouillon is a versatile and flavorful base that can enhance a wide range of dishes. The process of slow-cooking beef bones and vegetables extracts their natural flavors, resulting in a rich and nutritious broth. Making your bouillon allows you to avoid the excess salt and preservatives found in store-bought versions, giving you a healthier and tastier option. Enjoy the deep, savory flavors of this homemade beef bouillon in your favorite recipes, and savor the satisfaction of creating a culinary staple from scratch.