Brown veal stock is a staple in many kitchens and especially in French ones. Chefs like veal because it has a deep but not overwhelming flavor and contains more pectin, an excellent quality to have in stocks used to make reductions or demi-glace. If you cannot find veal bones, you may substitute with beef bones.
Check the oven; the veal bones should be golden brown. Add the burnt onion to the Mirepoix. Add the head of garlic cut in half with the skin on. Remove the bones from the oven. Cover the bones with the Mirepoix, burnt onions, and garlic. Reduce the temperature to 380°F. Stir the ingredients every 10 minutes, for an additional 30 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for 15 minutes, ensuring that the bones and the aromatic garnish become brown but do not burn.
This recipe connects to Stock Making Fundamentals — learn the technique step by step in the video lessons.
Veal is lean and cooks quickly — watch it closely so it doesn't dry out. If you'd like to go deeper, Stock Making Fundamentals covers this in full.
If you'd ever like hands-on guidance for your own kitchen or restaurant, I also offer 1-on-1 coaching through OCS, or you can reach me directly for consulting at 911ChefEric.com.
Recipes come out right when you understand the method. Chef Eric’s courses teach the foundations step by step — knife skills, stocks, soups and classic French technique — with video lessons and short quizzes. Not sure where to start? OCRS™ will build your roadmap in five questions.