I am often asked why when there are all kinds of stock cubes and bottled substitutes available on the market would I even think about making stock, that surely this is some onerous task that has been rendered useless now. Well to me it is like having the choice of a wonderful painting hanging on the wall, something that has been worked on that contains some depth and personality or hanging a reproduction print on the wall; sure they are both things to look at but there is no denying the real thing!
Using home-made stock in a soup or sauce adds a depth of flavor and builds such a character to the dish that anything else just becomes an imitation.
Time of course is the reason most people don't bother with stock making anymore it seems, yet with a little planning, a small amount of preparation of vegetables, a stock will more or less take care of itself once on the stove. Vegetable Stock is so simple, quick and easy to make it is not even worth freezer space, just make when needed.
Tips for Successful Stocks
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Save chicken carcasses, beef, lamb or even fish bones. Wrap them up and freeze until you have sufficient to put the stock pot on. It is as easy to make a large pot of stock than to fiddle around with a small quantity, then the effort really becomes worthwhile.
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Never boil a stock; boiling makes a stock greasy and cloudy.
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Stock when ready must be cooled quickly to eliminate the risk of salmonella. Plunge the stockpot into a large sink or bucket filled with cold or iced water.
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Do not completely cover the pan while it is cooling as this turns a stock sour, leave the lid slightly ajar to help steam escape.
Once cooled any excess fat will have settled on the top and can be easily removed with a spoon. -
Strain the stock and boil the liquid down until it is reduced to about a third, creating a wonderful concentrated stock., pack it into small containers and pop it into the freezer. You then have it to hand whenever a recipe calls for it. This helps make cooking more spontaneous when choosing a recipe you are not put off by the fact that stock is required.
