Makes 2 ½ quarts broth
Ingredients
- 4 lb bony beef cuts, such as short ribs or shank
- 1/2 cup tomato purée
- 3 qt cold water, plus more as needed
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into medium dice
- 1 leek, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, cut into medium dice
- 1/4 cup celery leave
- 1 carrot, cut into medium dice
- 5 black peppercorns, cracked
- 4 parsley stems
- 1 sprig thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, plus more as needed
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a roasting pan, combine beef and tomato purée. Roast until browned, about 45 minutes. Transfer to a stockpot and cover with 3 quarts of water, or more if necessary, to cover the beef by at least 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Reduce the heat to establish a slow simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 4 hours, skimming the foam from the surface as necessary.
- Add the onion, leek, celery, celery leaves, carrot, black peppercorns, parsley, thyme, and bay leaf, and salt. Continue to simmer, skimming as necessary, until the broth is flavorful, about 1 hour more. Season with additional salt.
- Remove the meaty parts of the beef and save for another use. Strain the broth and discard the solids. Skim the fat from the surface, or cool down the broth in an ice bath, chill, and then lift away the hardened fat. The broth is ready to use, or it may be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
