How I make Bone Broth at home

As a registered dietitian, I'm a big fan of homemade bone broth. It's a nutrient-dense elixir that offers numerous health benefits, from supporting joint health to promoting a strong immune system. Today, I want to share my personal bone broth recipe, which is both delicious and simple to prepare. Let's dive in!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds of bones (chicken carcass, beef marrow bones, or fish bones)

• Water (enough to cover the bones)

• 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (optional)

• 1 onion, roughly chopped

• 2 carrots, roughly chopped

• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

• 3 cloves of garlic, smashed

• A handful of fresh parsley

• 1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns

• Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions:

Start by selecting high-quality bones. Organic, grass-fed, and free-range sources are preferable as they yield a more nutritious and flavorful broth. If using leftover bones from a roast or rotisserie chicken, they work wonderfully as well.

Place the bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add the apple cider vinegar, which helps extract minerals from the bones, although it's an optional step.

Fill the pot with enough water to fully cover the bones. Aim for a ratio of approximately 2-3 quarts of water for every 2-3 pounds of bones.

Allow the bones to sit in the water for 30 minutes to an hour. This resting period helps to draw out more nutrients during the cooking process.

Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, parsley, and black peppercorns to the pot. These vegetables and herbs will contribute to the flavorful profile of your bone broth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 8-24 hours. The longer you simmer, the richer and more concentrated the flavor will be.

As the broth simmers, you may notice some foam or impurities rising to the surface. Skim off any of these impurities with a spoon or ladle to keep the broth clear.

After the desired simmering time has passed, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a while.

Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or storage container. This step ensures a smooth and clear broth by removing any solid particles.

Season with salt to taste, if desired. Remember, you can always add salt later when using the broth in different recipes.

Allow the broth to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it. If refrigerating, consume it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the broth in portion-sized containers, making it convenient to thaw and use as needed.

Conclusion:

Homemade bone broth is a labor of love that rewards you with a nourishing and versatile ingredient. By following this simple recipe, you can harness the benefits of bone broth while enjoying its rich taste and healing properties. Whether sipped on its own, used as a base for soups and stews, or added to various recipes, bone broth is a wonderful addition to any health-conscious kitchen. Give it a try, and you'll be amazed at how easy and satisfying it is to create this wholesome elixir in your own home.