Beef Broth Recipe: A Hearty Classic for Every Kitchen
This rich and flavorful Beef Broth, known as “Brodo di Carne” in Italian, is the perfect base for many dishes. Whether you are preparing a warm soup, risotto, or a sauce, this savory broth will infuse your recipes with deep, comforting flavors. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys making homemade broths from scratch, and it’s incredibly versatile and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (such as chuck or stew meat) | 500g |
| Beef shank (bone-in) | 400g |
| Additional beef (e.g., ribs or stew cuts) | 400g |
| Celery | 60g |
| Carrots | 100g |
| Yellow onions | 100g |
| Ripe tomatoes | 150g |
| Water | 4 liters |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black peppercorns | 4 |
Nutritional Information:
This Beef Broth provides a rich, nutritious base full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s an excellent source of collagen and essential amino acids, making it not only a flavor enhancer but also a nourishing addition to your meals.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Calcium | 35mg |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by preparing the vegetables. Wash and dry them thoroughly. Peel the carrots and cut them into large pieces. Trim the celery and cut it into similar-sized chunks. Cut the ripe tomatoes in half. This will help release their natural juices as they cook, adding more flavor to the broth. -
Toast the Tomatoes:
Place a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add the halved tomatoes (skin side down). Allow the tomatoes to toast for about 4 minutes, turning them occasionally until they develop a nice char. This step deepens the flavor of the tomatoes and gives the broth a richer, more complex taste. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot with high sides, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, onions, and the toasted tomatoes. Stir the vegetables for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their flavors. -
Add the Beef:
To the pot, add the beef cuts (such as beef chuck, stew meat, and beef shank) along with any bones for extra depth of flavor. The bones will release collagen and create a thicker, more gelatinous broth. Stir the ingredients to combine them with the vegetables, then allow them to cook for another 5-7 minutes. -
Add Water and Spices:
Pour in 3 liters of water, ensuring that the beef and vegetables are well submerged. Add the cloves and black peppercorns for an aromatic, spicy note. The peppercorns will infuse the broth with a subtle heat, while the cloves offer a warm, fragrant undertone. -
Simmer the Broth:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for at least 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors are melding together. During this time, impurities and excess fat will rise to the surface. Skim these off with a spoon or ladle, discarding them. The slow simmering process will allow all the flavors to develop and deepen. -
Strain the Broth:
After the broth has simmered, it will have reduced slightly, concentrating the flavors. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solid ingredients. Press down on the solids to extract every last bit of flavorful liquid. Discard the vegetables, bones, and meat, or save the tender beef to use in other dishes. -
Season to Taste:
Once strained, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning. Add salt to taste, remembering that it’s best to season the broth toward the end of the cooking process to ensure you don’t over-salt. A pinch of freshly ground black pepper will also enhance the flavor profile. -
Ready to Use:
Your homemade Beef Broth is now ready to be used in any dish that calls for broth or stock. You can use it immediately, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage. This versatile broth can be used in soups, stews, risottos, or as a flavorful base for gravies and sauces.
Tips for the Best Beef Broth:
- Choosing the Right Meat: For the best flavor, use a mix of beef with bones, like shank or oxtail. The bones add richness and collagen, which makes the broth thicker and more gelatinous.
- Skimming the Broth: It’s crucial to skim off the impurities and fat that rise to the top during the simmering process. This keeps the broth clean and clear, ensuring a smooth texture and flavor.
- Longer Simmering for Richer Flavor: The longer you simmer the broth, the more concentrated the flavors will become. Aim for at least 3-4 hours, but you can simmer it up to 6-8 hours if you have the time.
- Freezing for Later: Beef broth freezes beautifully. If you have leftover broth, pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for easy portioning. You’ll always have flavorful broth on hand for future recipes.
- Adding Herbs: For added flavor complexity, you can experiment by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves while the broth simmers. Just be sure to remove them before straining.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use beef bouillon cubes instead of homemade broth?
A: While beef bouillon cubes can provide convenience, they lack the depth of flavor and richness that homemade beef broth offers. For the best results, it’s always recommended to make the broth from scratch.
Q: How can I make my beef broth even richer?
A: You can roast the beef bones in the oven before adding them to the pot. This will caramelize the meat and add a deeper, roasted flavor to your broth.
Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of this broth?
A: Yes! You can skip the beef and use a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, to create a flavorful vegetarian broth.
Q: How long can I store this beef broth?
A: Homemade beef broth can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
This Beef Broth recipe is a timeless classic that will elevate your cooking to the next level. Perfect for cold days when you want something comforting or as a base for countless dishes, this broth will become a staple in your kitchen. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and savor the rich flavors of this homemade masterpiece!
