Skip to main content

Beef Bouillon

Beef bouillon was not served only at times of mourning. It was and still often is a base for matzo balls, it is served with noodles, and it is perfectly delicious as a broth, served hot, or cold as consommé gelé (aspic), at the beginning of any meal.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    about 10 cups

Ingredients

2 pounds beef shanks or other beef bones
1 onion
4 whole cloves
3 leeks, light-green and white parts chopped, dark-green top parts left whole
3 carrots, peeled and diced
1 turnip, peeled and diced
1 parsnip, peeled and diced
Bouquet garni made of sprigs of fresh thyme and parsley and a bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Put the beef bones in a soup pot, and cover with cold water by at least 3 inches. Bring to a boil, and skim off any scum that rises.

    Step 2

    If you want a dark broth, don’t peel the onion. If you want a lighter one, peel it. Pierce the onion with the cloves, and add to the pot. Add the leeks, carrots, turnip, parsnip, and the bouquet garni. Simmer slowly, covered for 3 hours and uncovered for 1/2 hour. Add salt and pepper to taste, and heat. Strain the soup, and either remove any fat that might have accumulated and serve, or refrigerate, remove the fat, reheat, and serve.

Quiches, Kugels, and Couscous
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This pasta starring summer corn achieves its savory, creamy sauce thanks to one special ingredient: buttermilk powder.
This fast stir-fry dish pairs minced pork and fragrant basil with hot Thai chiles and a crispy fried egg.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Juicy steak, crisp lettuce, and a blender dressing come together for a breezy summer dinner.
This frozen cocktail uses instant espresso for a strong flavor and unbeatable convenience.