Yields Makes about 6 cups Total Time 5 hrs
AuthorNick Balla and Cortney Burns

At San Francisco's Bar Tartine, chef Nick Balla uses the Japanese technique of adding kombu (sea kelp) to infuse the broth with velvety texture and savoriness without a noticeable seaweed flavor. Chicken drumsticks, with their high ratio of bone and tendon to meat, give body to the broth as well.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Put chicken in a large pot and pour in 4 qts. cold water. Heat over medium heat, uncovered and skimming off any foam that forms on the surface, until simmering, about 40 minutes. Cover and simmer, skimming every 30 minutes, until liquid is reduced to about 2 qts., 3 to 4 hours.

Step 2
2

With scissors, cut small slits in kombu to help release flavor. Add to pot and simmer, covered, until kombu begins to fall apart, 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.

Step 3
3

Strain broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a storage container and discard solids. Let broth cool to room temperature, then chill until cold. Skim off fat before using.

Step 4
4

*Find kombu at Asian markets and some well-stocked grocery stores.

Step 5
5

Make ahead: Up to 4 days, chilled, or up to 3 months frozen.

Ingredients

 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
 3 pieces dried kombu* (each about 3 in. by 6 in.)

Directions

Step 1
1

Put chicken in a large pot and pour in 4 qts. cold water. Heat over medium heat, uncovered and skimming off any foam that forms on the surface, until simmering, about 40 minutes. Cover and simmer, skimming every 30 minutes, until liquid is reduced to about 2 qts., 3 to 4 hours.

Step 2
2

With scissors, cut small slits in kombu to help release flavor. Add to pot and simmer, covered, until kombu begins to fall apart, 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.

Step 3
3

Strain broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a storage container and discard solids. Let broth cool to room temperature, then chill until cold. Skim off fat before using.

Step 4
4

*Find kombu at Asian markets and some well-stocked grocery stores.

Step 5
5

Make ahead: Up to 4 days, chilled, or up to 3 months frozen.

Bar Tartine Chicken Broth

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