How to Make Your Own Stock Cubes
Are you wondering how to make your own stock cubes at home? If you are, then this article will be everything you have dreamed of. I am going to go over how to make chicken, beef, and vegetable stock cubes at home. The process really couldn’t be easier.
So without further ado, let’s dive right in and get started.
How to Make Chicken Stock Cubes at Home?
I will be covering chicken stock cubes in this section. But fear not, I will also look at making beef stock cubes and vegetable stock cubes in a later section.
What Do You Need?
Before you can start doing anything, you need all the ingredients. So, in this section, we will be listing everything you need to make your own chicken stock cubes. Everything you need is as listed below:
- Celery – Two ribs of celery that have been washed and cut in half.
- Carrots – Two carrots that have been washed, peeled and chopped.
- Onion – One whole onion that has been peeled. It does not need to be cut.
- Leek – One washed and chopped leek.
- Garlic Cloves – Five garlic cloves are needed. Feel free to add more if you want.
- Water – Eight cups of water are required. You can add less water if you feel it is needed.
- Chicken Thighs – You need six chicken thighs that have been skinned and de-boned.
- Salt – Add salt to taste.
Step 1 – Boil the Vegetables
Your first step is to add all your vegetables into a pot of boiling water. This should include the celery, carrots, onion, leek, and garlic. Turn the stove on a medium-high heat and allow it to come to a boil before moving on to the next step.
Step 2 – Add the Chicken and Let it Simmer
Add your chicken and salt to the pot, turn the heat to a low setting and allow everything to boil for about forty-five minutes.
Step 3 – Remove the Chicken
At the forty-five-minute point, you should remove the chicken from the pot. You can use it in a salad or in a toasted chicken mayo toastie if you prefer.
Step 4 – Let the Veggies Cool and Blend Them
Now that there is no chicken in the broth, allow the vegetables to cool before you take them out. I recommend using a slotted spoon. Place your veggies in a blender with a little broth and blitz until it is smooth.
Step 5 – Freeze the Blended Veggies
Pour your blended vegetables and broth into an ice cube tray and allow it to freeze. Once your stock cubes are frozen, you can remove them or leave them in the ice cube tray if you prefer.
How to Make Beef Stock Cubes at Home?
If you need to make beef stock cubes, then this section will be perfect for you. We are going to go through what you need and the steps you need to take for this kind of stock cube.
What Do You Need?
Before you can start doing anything, you need all the ingredients. So, in this section, we will be listing everything you need to make your own beef stock cubes. Everything you need is as listed below:
- Beef Bones – This recipe calls for two and a half kilograms of beef bones.
- Onions – Two onions chopped into rough pieces.
- Mushrooms – Six to eight mushrooms that are medium-sized and cut in half.
- Olive Oil – Two tablespoons of olive oil are needed for this recipe.
- Carrots – Roughly chop two big carrots.
- Celery – Three celery stalks that have been roughly chopped are needed.
- Fresh Parsley – A couple of bunches are needed. Measure with your heart.
- Bay Leaves – Two dried bay leaves are required.
- Peppercorns – Add one tablespoon of peppercorns.
- Red Wine – One cup of red wine is required.
Step 1 – Roast the Beef Bones, Onions, and Mushrooms
Start by preheating the oven to about 200C. Place the beef bones on a baking tray with the chopped onions and mushrooms nestled in the gaps. Allow these ingredients to roast for between thirty and forty minutes. You will know that they are done when the bones have browned and the onions look soft.
Step 2 – Slow Cook the Rest of the Ingredients
While you are waiting for your bones and mushrooms to roast you should add the celery, parsley, carrots, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a slow cooker. Once the beef, onion, and mushrooms have been roasted, add them to the slow cooker along with water. Add the red wine and allow everything to slow cook. This process can take two days, so make sure that you check it regularly to make sure that all the liquid does not evaporate. Top it up as needed.
Step 3 – Remove All the Vegetables and Bones
Using a strainer and remove the veggies and bones from the broth. Once everything has been removed from the broth, allow it to cool in the refrigerator. By doing this you allow the rendered fat to set on the top, this will make it easy to remove. You can use this fat for other things later on.
Step 4 – Reheat the Broth/Stock
Pour the stock into a pot and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for between forty and sixty minutes. The contents should reduce quite a lot during this time, so keep an eye on it. In the end, the stock should look thick and look almost like a shiny syrup.
Step 5 – Set the Stock to Make Cubes
Use a lined baking tray or ice cube tray and pour the stock into your chosen container and put in the refrigerator for between six and eight hours so that it can set. Once this time has elapsed, you can keep your cubes in the fridge for a few weeks or store them in the freezer for longer.
How to Make Vegetable Stock Cubes at Home?
I will be covering vegetable stock cubes in this section. From what you need to the steps you need to follow.
What Do You Need?
Before you can start doing anything, you need all the ingredients. So, in this section, we will be listing everything you need to make your own vegetable stock cubes. Everything you need is as listed below:
- Olive Oil – One and a half tablespoons of olive oil.
- Onion – One diced onion.
- Celery – Two diced sticks of celery.
- Carrot – Two cleaned carrots that have been roughly chopped.
- Leek – One washed and chopped leek.
- Bell Peppers – One large chopped bell pepper
- Garlic Cloves – Five garlic cloves that have been roughly chopped.
- Salt – Add salt to taste
Step 1 – Sauté the Vegetables
Add your olive oil to a large pot and put on a medium heat before you add all the washed and chopped vegetables. Allow to cook with the salt for a little before you add water to the pot. Allow to cook further until the water has evaporated, and the vegetables look nice and soft.
Step 2 – Blitz the Vegetables
Add all your vegetables to a blender and blitz them until you have a nice smooth pure.
Step 3 – Set Your Stock
Using a lined baking tray or an ice cube tray and pour the pure into your chosen container. Smooth out your stock in the container so that everything is evenly distributed. Allow time for the stock to completely freeze through.
Step 4 – Store Your Stock Cubes
I recommend keeping your cubes in the freezer. You can keep them in an ice cube tray or in a little bag until you need them.
Final Thoughts
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and learning about how to make your own stock cubes. If you have any questions, or you simply enjoyed the article, make sure to leave a comment. I read each and every one!
If you are into self-sufficiency and want to learn more, you should check out some of our other articles. I cover just about everything. From How Long Food Lasts in the Freezer to What Vegetables Grow Best in a Hot Climate and more, you are sure to find something that piques your interest.
Thanks for reading!
FAQ
In this section, I will be answering some of your most frequently asked questions regarding stock cubes and making them at home. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and get started!
1. Are bouillon cubes the same as stock cubes?
No, these stock cubes are not EXACTLY the same, but they can be used interchangeably. If the flavour of the liquid is important to a dish, I recommend using a bouillon cube. A regular stock cube is best if you want to add a delectable depth to your already well-seasoned dish.
2. Are Stock Cube healthy?
Using stock cubes in your cooking can be a healthy option, however, it is healthier to make them at home. This is because there are less artificial additives in your stock cubes if you simply make them yourself.
3. What is a Stock Cube?
Stock cubes are essentially cubes made using meat or vegetable juices and other flavourings. These cubes can be used to add depth to your meals and are particularly popular in stews or soups.