Bone Broth

ByMia Harper
Homemade bone broth simmering in a pot with fresh ingredients
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Bone broth is a nourishing staple that has gained popularity for its rich flavor and health benefits. This versatile broth serves as a wonderful base for soups, sauces, or can be enjoyed on its own. With its deep, savory taste and delicate aroma, bone broth not only warms the stomach but also provides essential nutrients and collagen. Let’s dive into the details of making this comforting and enriching broth.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-24 hours
  • Total Time: 12-24 hours 30 minutes
  • Servings: About 4-6 cups
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: Approximately 50
  • Protein: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Fat: 1 gram
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Sugar: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 50 mg

Why Make This Bone Broth

Making bone broth at home provides a wealth of nutrients that can boost health. Packed with collagen, gelatin, minerals, and amino acids, it supports joint health, digestion, and immune function. The long cooking process extracts these beneficial compounds from the bones, resulting in a rich, flavorful broth that’s not only delicious but also good for you. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use leftover bones, reducing waste and contributing to a sustainable kitchen.

How to Make Bone Broth

The process of making bone broth requires just a few ingredients and a bit of patience. You’ll be rewarded with a homemade broth that’s flavorful and healthful. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of beef bones (or chicken bones)
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaves)

Directions:

  • Step 1: Preparation

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This initial roasting will enhance the flavor of your broth.

  • Step 2: Roasting the Bones

    Place the bones on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes until they are nicely browned. This step adds depth to the flavor.

  • Step 3: Combining Ingredients

    In a large pot, combine the roasted bones with the quartered onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, smashed garlic, apple cider vinegar, and any optional herbs you choose to use.

  • Step 4: Adding Water

    Fill the pot with enough water to completely submerge all the ingredients. This helps extract all the flavors and nutrients during the cooking process.

  • Step 5: Cooking the Broth

    Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer. Allow the broth to simmer for 12 to 24 hours, adding water as needed to keep the bones covered.

  • Step 6: Straining the Broth

    After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large container to remove the solids.

  • Step 7: Seasoning

    Season your broth with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.

  • Step 8: Cooling and Storing

    Let the broth cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it for later use. Store in airtight containers to preserve freshness.

How to Serve Bone Broth

Bone broth can be enjoyed warm as a comforting drink or used as a base for soups and stews. To enhance its flavor, consider adding fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or as an invigorating snack.

How to Store Bone Broth

Once your bone broth has cooled, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Pour it into ice cube trays for easy portion control during cooking.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bone Broth

  • For a richer and gelatinous broth, choose bones with marrow and joints. Beef knuckles, oxtails, and chicken feet are great options.
  • Adjust the length of cooking time based on how concentrated you want the broth. Longer cooking will extract more flavor and nutrients.
  • Always monitor the water level to ensure the bones remain submerged; this maximizes flavor extraction and prevents burning.

Delicious Variations

  • Add different vegetables such as leeks or mushrooms for varied flavors.
  • For a different protein, try using poultry bones for a lighter broth.
  • Experiment with spices like ginger or turmeric for health benefits and a twist on traditional flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use raw bones for making broth?
    Yes, you can use raw bones, but roasting them first enhances the flavor significantly.

  • What should I do if my broth tastes bland?
    Let it simmer longer. Additionally, adding more salt or other flavor-enhancing ingredients can help.

  • Can I make bone broth in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
    Absolutely! Both methods can produce great bone broth. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 24 hours; in an Instant Pot, use the pressure cook setting for 2 hours.

  • Is it safe to eat the fat that forms on top of broth?
    Yes, the fat contains flavor and nutrients, but you can skim it off if you prefer a leaner broth.

  • How does bone broth help with gut health?
    Bone broth contains gelatin, which can support gut lining repair and digestion, making it beneficial for maintaining gut health.

Conclusion

Making bone broth at home is a rewarding experience that yields a nutritious and flavorful product. Whether you use it as a base for soups or enjoy it as a warming drink, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and some time, you can create a deep, savory broth that’s not only good for your body but also delights the senses. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful process of creating your own delicious bone broth!

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Homemade Bone Broth

  • Author: mia-harper
  • Total Time: 1470
  • Yield: 4-6 cups 1x
  • Diet: Paleo
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Description

A rich and nourishing homemade bone broth, perfect for soups, sauces, or enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds of beef bones (or chicken bones)
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaves)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the bones on a baking sheet and roast them for about 30 minutes until browned.
  3. In a large pot, combine the roasted bones with the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and optional herbs.
  4. Fill the pot with enough water to completely submerge all the ingredients.
  5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12 to 24 hours, adding water as needed.
  6. After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large container.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Let the broth cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it for later use.

Notes

For richer flavor, use bones with marrow and joints, like beef knuckles or chicken feet.

  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 1440
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 50
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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