How to Make Chicken Stock Concentrate
Chicken stock is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and flavor to a variety of dishes. Making your own chicken stock concentrate at home is a great way to ensure you always have a rich and flavorful base on hand. Follow these simple steps to create your own homemade chicken stock concentrate.
Ingredients:
– 2 to 3 pounds of chicken bones or carcass
– 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
– 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
– 1 large onion, roughly chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon of whole peppercorns
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs of fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon of salt, or to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken bones or carcass in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
2. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, thyme, parsley, and salt to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 3 hours, or until the stock has reduced by half.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another large pot or bowl. Discard the solids.
4. Return the strained stock to the stove and simmer over low heat until it has reduced to a thick consistency, similar to syrup. This may take several hours, so be patient.
5. Once the stock has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer the concentrated stock to ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers for easy portioning.
6. Place the trays or containers in the freezer and allow the stock to freeze completely. Once frozen, remove the stock cubes or concentrate from the trays and store in airtight freezer bags or containers in the freezer.
7. To use, simply add a cube or a spoonful of the chicken stock concentrate to your recipes, adjusting the amount to taste.
FAQs:
1. How long does homemade chicken stock concentrate last in the freezer?
Homemade chicken stock concentrate can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use chicken stock concentrate in place of regular chicken stock?
Yes, chicken stock concentrate can be used as a replacement for regular chicken stock. Just remember to dilute it with water before using.
3. Can I use chicken bones from a roasted chicken to make stock concentrate?
Absolutely! Using the bones from a roasted chicken will add a deeper flavor to your stock concentrate.
4. Can I freeze the stock concentrate in larger containers instead of ice cube trays?
Yes, you can freeze the stock concentrate in larger containers if you prefer. Just make sure to portion it out into smaller amounts before freezing for easier use.
5. Can I add other herbs and spices to the stock concentrate?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your stock concentrate.
6. Can I use chicken broth instead of chicken bones to make stock concentrate?
While using chicken bones will result in a richer and more flavorful stock concentrate, you can use chicken broth as a base if desired.
7. Can I use vegetable scraps to make a vegetarian stock concentrate?
Yes, vegetable scraps can be used to make a delicious vegetarian stock concentrate. Simply omit the chicken bones and follow the same process using vegetable scraps instead.
Homemade chicken stock concentrate is a convenient and flavorful addition to any kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a concentrated stock that will elevate your cooking to new heights. Enjoy the rich flavors and versatility of homemade stock concentrate in your favorite recipes.