Imagine a rich, deeply flavorful liquid that can elevate every dish in your kitchen - welcome to the world of authentic Italian Brodo di Carne! This slow-cooked beef broth isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary treasure that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences. With just a few simple ingredients and patience, you'll create a nutrient-dense, soul-warming broth that Italian grandmothers would proudly serve, packed with collagen, minerals, and an depth of flavor that store-bought versions can only dream of achieving.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 hrs
Total Time: 12 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 10 cups
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef bones
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 10 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange beef bones on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast beef bones for 30-40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they develop a deep golden-brown color. This roasting process enhances the broth's rich flavor.
- Transfer the roasted bones to a large slow cooker, including any browned bits from the baking sheet.
- Add quartered onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery stalks, and smashed garlic cloves to the slow cooker.
- Pour 10 cups of cold water over the bones and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are mostly covered.
- Add bay leaves and black peppercorns to the slow cooker.
- Cover and set slow cooker to low heat. Allow broth to simmer slowly for 12 hours, which will extract maximum flavor and nutrients from the bones.
- During cooking, occasionally skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface using a large spoon.
- After 12 hours, turn off the slow cooker and let the broth cool slightly.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl, discarding solids.
- Season with salt to taste and let cool completely before transferring to storage containers.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Tips
- • Always use high-quality, grass-fed beef bones for the most robust flavor and nutritional profile • Roasting bones beforehand is crucial - it caramelizes their surface and adds incredible depth to your broth • Use cold water when starting your broth to help extract maximum nutrients and create a clearer liquid • Skim off foam periodically to ensure a clean, pure-tasting broth • For an even richer result, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar, which helps break down bone minerals • Store in glass containers and leave about an inch of space at the top if freezing to prevent cracking • Pro tip: Use this broth as a base for soups, risottos, or drink it straight for a nourishing boost
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 132kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
