4 pounds beef or bison soup bones

2-3 pounds meaty neck, or rib bones (shank, osobuco, short rib, neck, back)

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

4 or more quarts cold filtered water

 

To use a large soup pot:

Rinse the bones and place in a large soup pot. Add the meaty bones. Add the vinegar and cover the bones with water. Bring the water to a boil, lower the temperature as low as you can and let this simmer, *gently, uncovered for 12-72 hours. Occasionally skim the foam and fat that comes to the top. Add water as necessary to keep the bones covered with water. 

 

Note: this is VERY difficult to do on a gas stove because at this low temperature the flame blows out. WATCH CAREFULLY.

 

To use a large crock pot: (recommended method)

Rinse the bones and place in the crock pot. Add the meaty bones and vinegar. Add hot water to cover the bones completely. Cover and turn on “high” for the first 4 hours, then turn to “low” for an additional 8-68 hours. Occasionally skim the foam and fat that comes to the top but don’t keep the cover off too long or the temperature will drop too much. 

 

 

Once cooked, remove and discard the bones (they should be partially disintegrated). Strain the rest of the liquid and discard the rest of the bones, meat and globs. Place in smaller containers and cool in the refrigerator. Once cold, freeze whatever you will not use in 2-3 days. (Remember that the stock will expand when frozen so leave room for it to expand).

 

You may drink this liquid as you would any broth ( you will probably want to season it or it will taste bland) or use it as the basis of a soup. (Sauté some onions and mushrooms in a little olive oil. Add the broth and other vegetables such as celery, zucchini, green beans, spinach and some leftover cooked chicken. Cook until the vegetables are soft. Season with salt and pepper and serve.)

 

*a gentle simmer means that the bubbles float to the top leisurely, a few at a time (about 140 – 160 degrees).

 

At the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market:

LINDER BISON (661) 254-0200            ROCKY CANYON FARMS for grass fed beef and bones