Clear stock or broth, especially from a pot-au-feu. Since it is usually used in soups it is not especially clarified, but the solids are disposed of before it is used. It may be served with fried onions and vermicelli. Such broths are usually cooked for a long time and have good complex flavours. However, there are quick stocks which can be produced with chopped meats with carrots, celery, leek, onions and a clove, boiled gently for 20 minutes. This is still preferable, in general, to a stock cube.
