Lesson 1 Recipes - Brown Beef Stock

Makes approximately 3 ½ quarts.

2 onions, cut into quarters, skin left on
2 carrots, washed but not peeled, cut into 2” pieces
2 stalks celery, washed, cut into 2” pieces
1 leek, sliced lengthwise, washed thoroughly
2 medium tomatoes, quartered
5 lbs. beef marrow bones (ask your butcher)
2 Tbs. canola oil
3 lbs. beef stew meat, cut into 2” pieces
4 quarts cold water
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 bay leaf
3 sprigs fresh thyme,
4 sprigs parsley, stems included
2 whole cloves
8 black peppercorns

Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Place bones in large roasting pan. Drizzle canola oil over bones and toss to coat. Roast bones for about 20 minutes, or until browned. Add stew meat, mirepoix (carrots, onion and celery), leek, tomatoes, and garlic. Continue to roast for another 20 minutes, or until vegetables have browned. Remove pan from oven. With slotted spoon, remove bones, meat, and vegetables from roasting pan and transfer to large, heavy-bottomed stockpot.

Deglaze roasting pan by adding one cup of water and stirring over low heat until all brown bits (fond) loosen and dissolve. Pour water and juices from roasting pan into stockpot. Add in bouquet garni or loose herbs and spices. Pour remaining cold water into stockpot and place pan over medium heat. Bring mixture just up to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least of 4 hours, and as long as 8 hours, skimming off impurities as necessary.

Strain stock into clean container and discard solids. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate up to one week, or in freeze for up to six months.