Beef bone broth

Beef bone broth is a traditional dish, rich in nutrients and flavors, ideal for warming the soul and strengthening the body. Through this detailed guide, you will discover how to prepare a delicious bone broth that will surely become a favorite recipe in your home. The total preparation time is approximately 4-5 hours, and the recipe is sufficient for 6-8 servings.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef bones (preferably with marrow)
- 2 large onions
- 3 carrots
- 1 celery (approximately 200 g)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- 3 liters cold water
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (optional, for serving)

Preparation:
1. Washing the bones: Start by washing the beef bones thoroughly under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities and blood that can affect the final taste of the broth. Clean bones will provide a purer taste and a more beautiful color to the broth.

2. Salting the bones: After washing, sprinkle salt over the bones, making sure to cover each piece evenly. The salt will help extract flavors from the bones during the cooking process.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Cut the onion, carrots, and celery into large pieces. It is not necessary to cut them perfectly, as they will boil and break down anyway. These vegetables will add sweetness and depth to the broth.

4. Arranging in the pan: Place the bones in a deep pan in a single layer, then add the chopped vegetables on top. Also add the garlic cloves, the entire amount of whole pepper, and the bay leaves, which will infuse the broth with their characteristic flavors.

5. Adding the water: Pour cold water over the bones and vegetables, ensuring they are completely covered. It is important to use cold water as it helps extract gelatin and minerals from the bones, contributing to a rich and consistent broth.

6. Cooking the broth: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and let it simmer for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking process will transform the bones and vegetables into a flavorful broth. You can also cook the broth on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

7. Finishing the broth: After the cooking time has expired, remove the pan from the oven and let the broth cool slightly. Using a strainer, separate the liquid from the bones and vegetables. You can use a spoon to press the vegetables and extract as much liquid as possible.

8. Serving: Beef bone broth is delicious served plain, but you can also add noodles or cooked rice to make it a heartier meal. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of color and freshness.

Helpful tips:
- If you want a richer broth, you can also add some meaty bones, such as ribs.
- The variety of vegetables can be adjusted according to preferences; potatoes or bell peppers are excellent options.
- You can enhance the flavor of the broth with additional spices, such as turmeric or ginger, for an extra health boost.

This beef bone broth is not only a comforting dish but also a rich source of collagen and minerals, perfect for recovery after a tiring day or for strengthening the immune system. Enjoy it with loved ones and indulge in a true feast of flavors.

 Ingredients: - 2 kg of beef bones, veal, or a mix; I bought a whole bone from the leg that was cut into pieces at the butcher's, I used all the pieces except for those with marrow which I made separately; - 2 large onions; - 2 large carrots; - celery, half a root or two stalks (I didn't have any); - 18 peppercorns; - 2 cloves of garlic (optional); - 2 teaspoons of tomato paste (optional);