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Basic Veal Stock

Editor's note: Use this recipe to make Chef John Besh's Basic Fond de Veau.

I never make a strong beef stock, preferring instead the viscosity, collagen, and more delicate flavor that comes from using veal bones. This Veal Stock is based on veal shanks.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 6 cups

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil
2 large onions, roughly chopped
2 carrots, roughly chopped
1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 bay leaf
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
3 pounds veal bones such as shanks, halved

Preparation

  1. 1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and peppercorns, stirring until softened. Add the bones and cover with 12 cups cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 3 hours, skimming the foam periodically. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. The stock is ready to use, or chill and freeze for future soups and stews.

Reprinted with permission from Cooking From the Heart: My Favorite Lessons Learned Along the Way by John Besh. Copyright © 2013 John Besh. Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing.
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