A amazing bowl of bone beef broth is like a warm hug for your soul, packed with nutrients and flavor. This recipe will guide you through making the most delicious and nutritious broth that’s perfect for soups, stews, or sipping straight from the mug.
Why This Recipe Works
- Slow roasting the bones before simmering unlocks deep, rich flavors that can’t be achieved with raw bones alone.
- Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar helps extract more nutrients from the bones, making your broth not just tasty but also super healthy.
- Simmering for a full 24 hours ensures every last bit of flavor and goodness is pulled from the bones, resulting in a broth that’s both gelatinous and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs beef bones (marrow and knuckle bones are best)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 bunch fresh thyme
- Water, enough to cover the bones by 2 inches
Equipment Needed
- Large roasting pan
- Stockpot (at least 12 quarts)
- Fine mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth (optional, for clearer broth)
- Large bowls or containers for storage
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Bones
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the beef bones in a single layer in a large roasting pan. Roast for 30 minutes, then flip the bones and roast for another 30 minutes until they’re deeply browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don’t rush it. Tip: For even more flavor, you can add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pan during the last 30 minutes of roasting.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
Transfer the roasted bones and any vegetables to a large stockpot. Add the apple cider vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and thyme. Cover everything with water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 24 hours. Tip: Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top during the first few hours of simmering for a clearer broth.
Step 3: Strain and Store
After 24 hours, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer into large bowls or containers. If you want an extra-clear broth, line the strainer with cheesecloth. Let the broth cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Tip: For easy storage, pour the broth into ice cube trays or muffin tins for portion-sized servings.
Tips and Tricks
Making bone beef broth is as much an art as it is a science. Here are some advanced tips to take your broth to the next level. First, consider using a mix of different bones for a more complex flavor profile. Marrow bones add richness, while knuckle bones contribute gelatin for body. Second, if you’re short on time, a pressure cooker can reduce the simmering time to just 4-5 hours, though the flavor won’t be quite as deep. Finally, don’t throw away the leftover bones and vegetables. They can be roasted again and used to make a second, lighter batch of broth.
Recipe Variations
- For a Asian-inspired version, add star anise, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce during the simmering process.
- Make it spicy by including a few dried chili peppers or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- For a more aromatic broth, add a parmesan rind or a few mushrooms during the last few hours of simmering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bones?
Absolutely! Frozen bones work just as well as fresh for making broth. Just make sure to roast them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the roasting time to ensure they brown properly.
How long can I store the broth?
In the refrigerator, your broth will last for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 6 months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top of the container as the broth will expand when frozen.
Can I make this broth in a slow cooker?
Yes, a slow cooker is a great option for making bone broth. After roasting the bones, transfer them and the other ingredients to your slow cooker, cover with water, and cook on low for 24 hours. The result will be just as delicious.
Summary
This bone beef broth recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to add depth of flavor and nutrition to their cooking. With a little patience and the right techniques, you can create a broth that’s not only delicious but also packed with health benefits.