Keto Aspic (Kholodets)

Ingredients

• 2 lb Beef or pork knuckle
• 1 lb Beef chuck, cubed
• 1 medium Onion, halved
• 1 medium Carrot, halved
• 1 Celery stalk
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 tsp Black peppercorns
• to taste Salt
• 2 tbsp Gelatin powder

Instructions

1. 1Place the 2 lb beef or pork knuckle, 1 lb beef chuck, 1 medium onion (halved), 1 medium carrot (halved), and 1 celery stalk into a large heavy-bottomed pot.
2. 2Cover all ingredients with approximately 12 cups of water. Add the 2 bay leaves and 1 tsp black peppercorns.
3. 3Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily pulls away from the bones. The broth should be fragrant and reduced.
4. 4Carefully remove the meat and bones from the pot using a slotted spoon and place them on a heatproof surface to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or container, discarding the solids (onion, carrot, celery, bay leaves, and peppercorns).
5. 5Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the strained broth using a spoon. Measure out 1/2 cup of the warm broth and set it aside. In a small bowl, sprinkle the 2 tbsp gelatin powder over the reserved 1/2 cup of cold broth and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
6. 6Gently reheat the bloomed gelatin mixture over low heat or in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Pour the dissolved gelatin mixture into the remaining warm broth and stir well to combine. Season the broth with salt to taste.
7. 7Once the meat has cooled enough to handle, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Divide the shredded or chopped meat evenly among 6 individual serving bowls or a loaf pan.
8. 8Pour the seasoned broth evenly over the meat in each bowl or pan. Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic, distributing it among the portions.
9. 9Cover the bowls or loaf pan and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the aspic is completely firm to the touch.
10. 10Serve the Keto Aspic (Kholodets) cold.

Substitutions

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