Creating your own beef broth at home is a rewarding and practical culinary project. Not only does it enhance the flavor of your dishes, but it also ensures that you are using wholesome ingredients free from preservatives and additives. Homemade beef broth serves as a versatile base for soups, stews, sauces, and more, providing a depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 700 g beef shank (1 lb 8¾ oz)
• Vegetable oil
• 1/2 turnip greens
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 parsley root
• 2 carrots
• 1/2 celery root
• 4 sticks of celery
• 1 leek
• 1 parsnip
• 1 piece of turmeric root (about the size of a thumb)
• 80 g salt (¼ cup)
• 1 tsp allspice
• 4 bay leaves

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat:

1. Sear the Beef:
   • Heat a little vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the 700 g beef shank until browned on both sides. Searing locks in the flavors and creates a rich, deep taste.

Simmer the Meat:

2. Add Water and Simmer:
   • Add enough water to the pot to almost cover the beef shank. This will help extract all the flavors from the meat into the broth.
   • Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Slow simmering ensures that the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
   • Simmer the meat for about 2 hours or until tender. Check occasionally to ensure the water level remains just above the beef.

Prepare the Vegetables:

3. Chop Vegetables:
   • Cut 1/2 turnip greens into small pieces to add a subtle bitterness and depth to the broth.
   • Peel and chop 1 onion to contribute a sweet and savory flavor.
   • Peel 3 cloves of garlic to infuse the broth with its pungent aroma and taste.
   • Peel and chop 1 parsley root, 2 carrots, 1/2 celery root, 4 sticks of celery, 1 leek, and 1 parsnip to provide a variety of flavors and nutrients.
   • Peel and chop a piece of turmeric root (about the size of a thumb) to add a warm, earthy flavor and health benefits.

Sauté the Vegetables:

4. Sauté in Vegetable Oil:
   • In a separate pan, heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat.
   • Sauté the prepared vegetables until lightly browned and releasing their juices. This step caramelizes the sugars in the vegetables, enhancing their flavors.

Combine and Simmer:

5. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the beef.
   • Add 80 g of salt (¼ cup), 1 tsp of allspice, and 4 bay leaves. The spices and bay leaves add complexity to the broth.
   • Stir well to combine.
6. Simmer Together:
   • Cover the pot and simmer over medium-high heat for about 12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and harmonious broth.

Cool and Freeze:

7. Cool the Broth:
   • Let the mixture cool completely. This makes it easier to handle and prepares it for freezing.
   • Place it in the freezer for 12 hours or overnight. Freezing helps preserve the broth and makes it easy to use later.
   • If you don’t have silicone molds, use a baking sheet or a similar container that fits in your freezer.
8. Storage:
   • Use double-sided baking paper with aluminum foil to store the frozen broth portions. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the broth fresh.
   • Store the broth in convenient portions for easy use in recipes. Small portions allow you to use just what you need without defrosting the entire batch.

Tips:

• Sear Well: Searing the beef shank well helps develop deep, rich flavors in the broth. Don’t skip this step as it’s crucial for flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and spices to suit your taste preferences. Personalizing the broth ensures it complements your dishes perfectly.
• High-Quality Vegetables: Using fresh, high-quality vegetables will enhance the flavor of the broth. Fresh produce contributes to the overall taste and nutritional value.
• Convenient Portions: Freeze the broth in portions that are easy to use in future recipes. Ice cube trays or silicone molds are ideal for creating small, manageable portions.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Possible Questions:

1. Can I use other cuts of beef for this broth?
   • Yes, you can use other cuts like beef chuck or short ribs. Each cut will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the broth.
2. How long can I store the beef broth?
   • The broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to customize your broth with other vegetables like tomatoes or herbs like thyme and rosemary.
4. What can I do with the leftover meat?
   • The tender beef can be used in soups, stews, sandwiches, or even salads.

Conclusion:

Homemade beef broth is an invaluable addition to any kitchen. Its rich, savory flavor enhances a multitude of dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and gravies. By making it yourself, you ensure that every ingredient is fresh and free from unwanted additives. The process of creating this broth not only fills your home with an inviting aroma but also offers a sense of accomplishment. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a broth that is both delicious and versatile. Store it in convenient portions to have on hand whenever you need a flavor boost in your cooking. Enjoy the warmth and comfort that homemade beef broth brings to your culinary creations!