Homemade Fish Stock

Homemade Fish Stock is a flavorful, nutrient-rich base for soups, stews, sauces, and risottos. Made from roasted fish bones with a bit of flesh still attached, it's a simple way to use what would otherwise be waste. The stock is gently simmered with carrots, parsley, bay leaf, and seasoned with Redmond fine salt. A splash of raw apple cider vinegar helps draw out minerals from the bones, resulting in a nutrient-dense broth full of rich flavor. This stock is an excellent source of collagen, amino acids, and other essential nutrients that support joint, gut, and skin health.

Ingredients & Benefits:

1. Roasted Fish Bones (with some flesh still attached)

   • Benefit: Fish bones are an excellent source of collagen, gelatin, and essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Roasting the bones before simmering helps to develop a deep, rich flavor and caramelize the natural sugars in the fish. The collagen extracted during the simmering process helps support joint health, skin elasticity, and gut function.

2. Carrots (Optional)

   • Benefit: Carrots add a slight sweetness and depth to the stock. They are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts into vitamin A in the body. This vitamin supports immune function, eye health, and skin health. Carrots also provide fiber and a host of other vitamins and minerals that enhance the overall nutritional profile of the stock.

3. Parsley (Optional)

   • Benefit: Fresh parsley imparts a bright, herbaceous flavor to the stock and is packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains folate and iron, which support immune function and energy production. Parsley has natural diuretic properties, helping to reduce bloating and promote healthy digestion.

4. Bay Leaf (Optional)

   • Benefit: Bay leaves add a subtle earthy and aromatic flavor to the stock. They have antioxidant properties and can aid in digestion, helping to reduce indigestion and bloating. Bay leaves also support overall immune health and may assist in reducing inflammation.

5. Redmond Fine Salt

   • Benefit: Redmond fine salt is a mineral-rich sea salt that contains essential electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium. It enhances the flavor of the stock and provides important minerals that help with hydration, muscle function, and electrolyte balance.

6. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (Optional)

   • Benefit: Apple cider vinegar helps to draw out the minerals and collagen from the fish bones during the simmering process. The acidity of the vinegar also helps to balance the flavors of the stock, creating a richer, more complex taste. Raw apple cider vinegar contains beneficial probiotics and enzymes that support gut health and digestion.

7. Filtered Water

   • Benefit: Using filtered water ensures that the stock is free from chlorine, chemicals, or other impurities often found in tap water, providing a pure, clean base for the fish stock.

Usage Ideas:

• Soups & Stews: Use the fish stock as a flavorful base for seafood chowder, fish soups, or creamy bisques.

• Sauces & Risotto: Incorporate the stock into sauces or use it for cooking risotto for a deeper, savory flavor.

• Braised Dishes: Use the stock to braise fish or vegetables, enhancing the natural taste with its rich depth.

Homemade Fish Stock is a versatile and nutrient-packed base that adds a deep, umami-rich flavor to your dishes. By simmering fish bones and a few simple ingredients, you can create a stock that’s perfect for a variety of recipes. It's not only economical (using parts of the fish you might otherwise throw away) but also nourishing, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen.