Chicken Stock or Bone Broth
Chicken stock, or “bone broth” is not a final dish in itself, but is used in
many soups and other dishes to add great taste to something otherwise very
simple. While it is easy to make, it sells for very expensive in the store, so
it’s a good thing to know to make by yourself since it can be done very cheaply.
Ingredients
a whole raw chicken with organs removed (Drumsticks or thighs alone might
suffice if a whole chicken is unavailable.)
onions
celery
carrots
optional aromatic ingredients
- a bay leaf
- thyme
- rosemary
- crushed peppercorns
Directions
1. Cut onions, celery and carrots into large chunks (you don’t even need to
remove the onion peels), add to a large empty pot (stock pot).
2. Add the chicken to the pot as well. It is fine to butcher the chicken to
reduce its size, but include all bones and tendons as well.
3. Add any aromatic seasonings.
4. Fill the pot with water up slightly past all the ingredients.
5. Bring contents to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for at least 45
minutes.
6. You may want to remove with a spoon or other instrument the bubbles that form
on the top. This will give you a clearer stock, but it is not necessary.
7. Strain the liquid, now stock, into another container for storage or use.
You may also eat the remaining chicken, possibly for lunchmeat, but since it has
imparted its flavor to the stock, it will be slightly more bland so some
seasoning might be advised. You may eat or compost the remaining vegetables.