
Kitchen
Bone Broth
Bone Broth
A savory elixir crafted from simmering animal bones, vegetables, and herbs in water over a long period of time, bone broth is a treasure trove of nutrients, minerals that deeply nourish the body.
One of the key benefits of bone broth lies in its high collagen content. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, playing a crucial role in supporting the health of our skin, hair, nails, joints, and gut lining. When bones are simmered in water, collagen is released into the broth, transforming it into a gelatinous liquid that has a myriad of health benefits.
Consuming bone broth regularly can help promote joint health and mobility, reduce inflammation, contributes to healthy micro-biome, and supports gut health by soothing and healing the digestive tract. It’s also rich in amino acids such as glycine, proline, and glutamine, which play important roles in immune function, detoxification, and muscle repair.
In addition to collagen and amino acids, bone broth is a rich source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for bone health, nerve function, and electrolyte balance. These minerals are released from the bones during the simmering process, making bone broth a highly bioavailable source of nutrients that are easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
But perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of bone broth is its versatility. Whether sipped on its own as a comforting beverage, used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, or incorporated into recipes that call for broth or water as a nutrient-rich cooking liquid, bone broth adds depth of flavor and a nutritional boost to any dish.
Start a tradition of making bone broth each week and remember the simplicity and the profound healing potential of nature’s bounty. Whether you’re sipping a steaming mug of bone broth on a cold winter’s day or using it to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your favorite recipes, find comfort in the fact that you’re nourishing your families bodies from the inside out with every sip.
ingredients
2-3 pounds of bones (beef or chicken)
1 onion, halved
2 carrots, halved
2 celery stalks, halved
4 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon peppercorns
2 bay leaves
Water, enough to cover the bones
instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bones on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. This step isn’t vital but helps to enhance the flavor of the broth.
Transfer the roasted bones to a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, apple cider vinegar, peppercorns, and bay leaves to the pot.
Cover the bones and vegetables with water, making sure they are completely submerged. If using a stockpot, bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer very gently for 24 hours. If using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 24-48 hours. Make sure it isn’t simmering too high.
After it comes to a boil and you reduce the hear, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface with a spoon. This helps to clarify the broth and remove any excess fat. Dont push down on the bones and vegetables while you do this. Work gently.
Once the broth has finished simmering, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the bones and vegetables. Discard the solids.
Allow the broth to cool slightly, then transfer it to storage containers. You can refrigerate the broth for up to 5 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
tip: if opting for chicken bones, if you can get backs and feet from your local butcher or farmer, they make a much richer broth.