Homemade Bone Broth

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Bone broth is a nutrient-rich, flavorful broth made by simmering bones and connective tissues for an extended period. Packed with collagen, minerals, and amino acids, it’s perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base for soups and stews. This recipe creates a rich, gelatinous broth that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 pounds of bones (beef, chicken, or pork)
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 10-12 cups water (enough to cover the bones)
  • 2-3 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the bones: If using raw bones, roast them first for extra flavor. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place bones on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, turning halfway through.
  2. Simmer the broth: In a large stockpot or slow cooker, add the bones, vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, and garlic), and bay leaves. Pour in enough water to cover the bones completely, then add apple cider vinegar (this helps extract nutrients from the bones).
  3. Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently.
  4. Simmer for hours: Simmer the broth for at least 12 hours, but up to 24 hours for the richest flavor and most nutrients. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface occasionally.
  5. Strain the broth: Once the broth has finished simmering, remove the bones and vegetables. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or jars.
  6. Cool and store: Let the broth cool completely, then store it in airtight containers. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep and Cook Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-24 hours
  • Total Time: 12-24 hours (largely unattended)

Serving Size:

  • Makes about 8 cups of broth (serves 4-6 people)

Tips/Variations:

  • Add herbs like rosemary or thyme during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor.
  • Use chicken feet or beef knuckles for a more gelatinous broth, as these parts contain a lot of collagen.
  • For a lighter broth, simmer for a shorter time (around 6 hours).

Nutritional Information (per 1-cup serving):

  • Calories: 35
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 1g
  • Carbs: 0g
  • Sodium: varies depending on added salt

Homemade Bone Broth is a versatile and nutritious addition to your kitchen. Whether sipped on its own or used as a base for soups and stews, it’s a comforting way to nourish your body. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover bones!

Let me know how your broth turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe and subscribe for more wholesome, nutrient-dense recipes.

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