Nourishing Mutton Head Broth
This deeply nourishing mutton head broth is slow-simmered to extract maximum flavor and nutrients, offering a comforting and restorative base perfect for sipping or as a foundation for other dishes.
For 6 servings
Prepare Mutton Head: Thoroughly clean the mutton head. If not already done by the butcher, singe off any remaining hair over an open flame, then scrape and scrub the skin clean. Have your butcher halve the head for easier handling and to expose the bone marrow. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water.
Assemble Aromatics: Place the cleaned and halved mutton head in a very large stockpot (at least 8-10 liter capacity). Add the black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, sliced fresh ginger, smashed garlic cloves, quartered yellow onion, roughly chopped carrot, and celery stalk to the pot.
Initial Boil & Skim: Pour enough cold water over the ingredients to cover them by at least 2-3 inches (approximately 5 liters). Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat. As it heats, foam and impurities will rise to the surface; carefully skim these off with a ladle or fine-mesh sieve for a clearer broth.
Slow Simmer: Once boiling and skimmed, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, so the broth maintains a very gentle simmer (just a few bubbles breaking the surface). Partially cover the pot, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
Long Simmer: Continue to simmer for at least 4-6 hours, or even up to 8 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water level remains adequate (add more hot water if needed to keep ingredients submerged). The meat should be falling off the bone, and the broth should have developed a rich aroma and slightly gelatinous texture.
Strain the Broth: Carefully remove the mutton head and large solids from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Strain the entire broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean heatproof container. Discard the spent aromatics.
Cool & Defat (Optional): Allow the strained broth to cool to room temperature. For a less fatty broth, refrigerate it overnight. The fat will solidify on top, making it easy to skim off and discard before reheating.
Season & Serve: Reheat the broth gently. Season generously with salt to taste. Ladle the hot broth into bowls.
Garnish: Garnish each serving with fresh chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice from a wedge.
Enjoy Meat Separately: The tender meat from the mutton head can be picked off the bones, seasoned, and enjoyed separately or added back into the broth.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Butcher Prep: Ask your butcher to clean and halve the mutton head for you to save significant prep time at home.
- 2Cold Water Start: Always start your broth with cold water. This allows impurities to rise to the surface slowly, making them easier to skim, and helps extract more flavor from the bones.
- 3Gentle Simmer: Avoid a rolling boil during the long cooking phase, as this can emulsify fats and make the broth cloudy. A gentle simmer ensures a clear, flavorful broth.
- 4Cooling & Storage: Cool the broth quickly before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacterial growth. Store in airtight containers for up to 4-5 days in the fridge or several months in the freezer.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add 1-2 dried red chilies or a pinch of red chili flakes along with the whole spices for a subtle warmth.
Vegetable BoostVegetable Boost
Incorporate additional root vegetables like parsnips or turnips during the last hour of simmering for extra depth and nutrients.
Hearty SoupHearty Soup
After straining, add diced potatoes, carrots, and peas, along with some shredded mutton meat, and simmer until vegetables are tender to transform it into a complete soup.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Collagen Rich
Mutton head broth is an excellent source of collagen, which supports skin elasticity, joint health, and gut lining integrity.
Mineral Density
Slow simmering extracts essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium from the bones, contributing to overall bone health and electrolyte balance.
Hydration & Electrolytes
This broth provides vital hydration and a natural source of electrolytes, making it particularly beneficial during illness or for post-workout recovery.
Frequently asked questions
First, singe off any remaining hair over an open flame (a gas burner works well), then scrape and scrub the skin thoroughly with a stiff brush under cold running water. Your butcher can often do this for you, and also halve the head for easier handling.
