Introduction
Bone broth has become an increasingly popular health food in recent years due to its numerous benefits. Simmering bones and connective tissue in water for an extended period of time extracts nutrients like collagen, gelatin, minerals and amino acids. This nutrient-dense broth can boost immunity, improve joint health, aid digestion and more. Read on to learn all about bone broth and try 5 bone broth recipes.
Table of Contents
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made by boiling animal bones and connective tissue in water for at least 3-4 hours. This long simmer time helps extract the collagen, gelatin and amino acids from the bones, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. The end result is a flavorful broth full of health-boosting compounds not found in regular broth or stock.
Some of the top nutrients and benefits of bone broth include:
- Collagen: Helps maintain smooth, flexible skin and reduces joint pain.
- Gelatin: Supports digestive and gut health. Also helps improve hair, skin and nail growth.
- Amino acids like glycine and proline: Improve sleep quality and immune function.
- Hyaluronic acid: Promotes healthy connective tissue.
- Minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium: Important for bone health, muscle function and metabolism.
Bone broth makes an excellent base for soups, stews, risotto and more. You can also sip on plain broth for a nourishing snack. It freezes well so make a big batch to have on hand.
Here Are 5 Bone Broth Recipes:
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken carcass
- 2 quarts water
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 3 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken carcass and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for at least 3 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.
- Strain the broth through a mesh sieve into a clean pot. Pick off any meat from the bones and reserve it for later.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, bay leaf, garlic, thyme, pepper and salt to the broth. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf. Add the cooked chicken and noodles and cook for 5 more minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Beef and Mushroom Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups beef bone broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1⁄4 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until well browned. Remove to a plate.
- Add the onions and mushrooms to the same pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the carrots and celery and cook 3 minutes more.
- Pour in the bone broth, bay leaf, red wine and tomato paste. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the thyme, salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beef is very tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Garnish stew with parsley before serving.
Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken bone broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Plain yoghurt or creme fraiche (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add the squash, carrots, broth, bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are very tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer to a blender in batches.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm with a dollop of yoghurt or creme fraiche if desired. Enjoy!
Risotto with Bone Broth
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken bone broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1⁄3 cup dry white wine
- 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan
- Garden peas (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Garden peas
Instructions
- Heat the broth in a small pot until barely simmering. Keep warm.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 1 minute until softened.
- Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is translucent around the edges.
- Lightly boil the garden peas in a pan of boiling water.
- Pour in the white wine and cook until absorbed about 1 minute.
- Begin adding the simmering broth 1⁄2 cup at a time, allowing the broth to absorb fully before adding more. Stir constantly.
- After 15-20 minutes, the rice should be al dente and the risotto should have a creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan and garden peas. Season to taste.
- Serve warm garnished with parsley. Enjoy this hearty and nourishing risotto!
Vegetable Ramen
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken bone broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 soft-boiled egg, halved
- 1⁄4 cup sliced carrots
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cabbage, mushrooms, spinach and carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the soft-boiled egg. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
The rich flavour and nutrients found in bone broth make it an invaluable addition to soups, stews and more. Simmer up a batch on your next day off to reap the immune-boosting, skin-smoothing benefits. Try any of the above recipes for a hearty dose of minerals and collagen.
Conclusion
Drinking bone broth regularly can help improve gut health, strengthen joints and bones, boost immunity and more. The broth can be made from any animal bones you have on hand – beef, chicken, turkey, pork or fish.
Feel free to get creative with herbs, spices and vegetables to make your own signature broth. Be sure to make a large batch so you always have this healing elixir ready to go. With its vast benefits and versatility, bone broth deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen routine
FAQs
What are some of the health benefits of bone broth?
Bone broth contains collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals that can help improve gut health, joint health, immunity, skin health, and sleep quality.
What types of bones can be used to make bone broth?
Any animal bones can be used such as beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or fish. Marrow bones and knuckles are especially good choices.
How long should you simmer the bones for?
For the best extraction of nutrients, simmer the bones for at least 3-4 hours. Some recipes call for simmering up to 24-48 hours.
What are some ways to use bone broth?
Bone broth makes an excellent base for soups, stews, and risotto. You can also sip on plain broth as a snack or light meal. It can be used to cook grains like rice or quinoa.
How should you store bone broth?
Bone broth keeps 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze broth in batches for up to 6 months.