Homemade Bone Broth for Beginners
Homemade bone broth is one of the easiest and healthiest items you can make in your kitchen, with the minimal amount of ingredient.
Bone broth has amazing health benefits, and it’s quite simple to make. Bone broth is rich in nutrients and may support bone health, digestive health, and reduce inflammation. It also provides protein, collagen, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can be beneficial for overall health. Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues for an extended period. This process extracts beneficial compounds, making it a popular choice in various diets, including paleo and keto.
Health Benefits
Nutritional Content
Protein: Contains about 8 to 10 grams of protein per cup, primarily from collagen.
Minerals: Provides calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients.
Potential Health Benefits
Joint Health: Collagen supports tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, potentially reducing joint pain.
Gut Health: Gelatin may help maintain a healthy gut lining and improve digestion.
Bone Strength: Nutrients like calcium and magnesium support bone health.
Anti-Inflammatory: May reduce inflammation, which can alleviate symptoms of conditions like ulcerative colitis.
Skin Health: Collagen contributes to skin elasticity and hydration, potentially reducing wrinkles.
How do you make your own bone broth?
Easy!!
Gather your bones. These can come from sources such as a rotisserie chicken, leg quarters, bones gleaned from steaks or ribs, etc. Gather as many as you prefer, 2 to 4 pounds are a good starting point depending on the size of your crockpot or stock pot. I personally prefer to debone a rotisserie chicken and place the bones and skin in the crockpot. I also purchase a 10 pound bag of leg quarters, run them through the oven, debone, and use the bones in the canner pot on the stove top to get maximum liquid gold. I’ve also used turkey bones after baking a full turkey and enjoying Thanksgiving dinner. You can absolutely source beef, deer, or any other animal/poultry bones you prefer.
Once you have your bones of choice, slow simmer them in your pot of choice. I prefer to go up to 24 hours on a slow simmer in the crockpot. Stove top, I go on average 3 to 6 hours. Add in your favorite herbs, spices, seasonings to make it your own. I tend to add onions, red pepper flakes, garlic, and so on to add a punch to my broth.
After you’ve simmered the bones as long as you prefer, strain and remove the bones (and fat if you use it). I put the bones out in a pile at the edge of the property and the wildlife seem to enjoy them. Store in your favorite manner. Or, go ahead and make a wonderful soup for immediate enjoyment.
I hope you give bone broth a try, both for the deliciousness and the health benefits. If you have tried this, feel free to share your favorite add ins for your perfect broth!
