If you make your own stock as a base for soups, risotto and sauces, you will be rewarded with flavour that you simply cant get from a pack (or a powder!).
Ingredients
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4 pounds chicken carcasses, including necks and backs
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1 large onion, quartered
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4 carrots, peeled and cut in 1/2
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4 ribs celery, cut in 1/2
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1 leek, white part only, cut in 1/2 lengthwise
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10 sprigs fresh thyme
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10 sprigs fresh parsley with stems
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2 bay leaves
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8 to 10 peppercorns
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2 whole cloves garlic, peeled
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2 gallons cold water
Method
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Place chicken, vegetables, and herbs and spices in 12-quart stockpot. Set opened steamer basket directly on ingredients in pot and pour over water.
- Cook on high heat until you begin to see bubbles break through the surface of the liquid.
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Turn heat down to medium low so that stock maintains low, gentle simmer. Skim the scum from the stock with a spoon or fine mesh strainer every 10 to 15 minutes for the first hour of cooking and twice each hour for the next 2 hours.
- Add hot water as needed to keep bones and vegetables submerged. Simmer uncovered for 6 to 8 hours.
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Strain stock through a fine mesh strainer into another large stockpot or heatproof container discarding the solids. Cool immediately in large cooler of ice or a sink full of ice water to below 40 degrees.
- Place in refrigerator overnight. Remove solidified fat from surface of liquid and store in container with lid in refrigerator for 2 to 3 days or in freezer for up to 3 months. Prior to use, bring to boil for 2 minutes.
- Use as a base for soups and sauces
(Source;grouprecipes.com)
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