Fresh Homemade Bone Broth Recipe (Health Boosting)

Nothing brings comfort in a world of culinary discovery like a steaming pot of homemade bone broth recipe. A perfect fusion of flavor and nutrition, this broth, extracted from carefully selected bones, is as hearty as it is savory. 

While many broth recipes occupy the virtual landscape, our version promises an aromatic treasure trove of flavors that adds a timeless charm to any meal. Consider this the secret ingredient, a whisper from grandma’s kitchen, a testament to the art of slow-cooking. 

Enriched with healthful minerals and collagen, it’s a wellness elixir that can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for countless recipes. Trust us, once you’ve experienced the depth of flavor this broth brings to the table, your culinary world will never be the same. 

So get ready to embark on this gastronomic journey and bring the magic of homemade bone broth into your kitchen.

What Is Homemade Bone Broth?

A homemade bone broth recipe involves simmering animal bones, often with vegetables, herbs and spices, over a long period. This slow-cooking process releases minerals, collagen, and amino acids, creating a rich, nutrient-dense liquid. 

The result is a savory broth that has a depth of flavor and is also loaded with health benefits. It can be consumed on its own or used as a base for soups, sauces, and other dishes, adding a delectable touch to your home cooking.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

The beauty of homemade bone broth is its flexibility. Here’s how you can modify the recipe to cater to different dietary preferences:

• Keto and Paleo: Bone broth is inherently keto and paleo-friendly, high in protein and collagen, and free from processed ingredients. To amp up the healthy fats for keto, consider using marrow-rich bones or stirring in a spoonful of ghee or coconut oil before consuming.
• Gluten-Free: Again, traditional bone broth is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any added sauces or flavorings are also free from gluten.
• Whole30: This program emphasizes whole foods and eliminates sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, and dairy. Bone broth is an excellent fit, especially with organic, grass-fed bones. Avoid adding any non-compliant ingredients.
• Vegetarian and Vegan: While you will only achieve the same depth of flavor and nutrient profile with bones, you can still make a hearty vegetable broth. Use a variety of vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, garlic, mushrooms for umami, and seaweed to boost minerals. Roast the vegetables before simmering to enhance the flavor.

Recipe Directions

• Place bones in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Drain, discard liquid, and wash bones.
• Preheat the oven to 450°. Roast boiled bones and optional carrots and onions for 60-75 minutes until brown. Drain fat.
• Transfer bones and vegetables to a large pot. Deglaze the roasting pan with warm water, and pour into the pot.
• Add seasonings and enough cold water to cover, and slowly boil for 30 minutes. Simmer for 8-24 hours, skim bubbles, and add water as needed.
• Excellent and strain broth through a cheesecloth-lined colander. Discard solids, skim fat, or refrigerate to remove fat. Serve or store as you like.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Chicken bones can be used for a lighter, poultry-based broth.
• Add a splash of wine or cider vinegar for a more complex flavor before simmering.
• Try adding different herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique aromatic touch.

Add-Ons

• After straining the broth, add cooked meat or vegetables for a hearty soup.
• Consider adding noodles, rice, or dumplings for a more substantial dish.
• Stir in spices like turmeric or ginger for an extra health boost and flavor.

Toppings

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top just before serving.
• Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for a fresh, tangy finish.
• A spoonful of pesto or a dollop of sour cream can add a creamy, flavorful twist.
• For some heat, sprinkle on chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I Make Homemade Bone Broth In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Both slow cookers and Instant Pots are excellent tools for making bone broth, and they can make the process even more hands-off.

For a Slow Cooker

• Follow the same initial steps of the recipe: boil the bones, discard the water, and then roast the bones and vegetables.
• Instead of moving everything to a pot on the stove, put them in your slow cooker. Add seasonings and enough cold water to cover the ingredients.
• Set your slow cooker to low, then let it work for 12-24 hours. If possible, skim off any foam or excess fat that surfaces during the first few hours of cooking.
• Strain, cool, and remove fat as per the original recipe.

For an Instant Pot

• If you’d like to roast the bones, you’ll need to do this in the oven as per the original recipe. However, the Instant Pot can brown the vegetables using the sauté function.
• Place the bones, browned vegetables, seasonings, and enough water to cover (but do not exceed the max fill line) in the Instant Pot.
• Secure the lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 2-3 hours for chicken bones or 3-4 hours for beef bones.
• Allow the pressure to release naturally, then open the lid and let the broth cool a bit.
• Strain, cool, and remove fat, as in the original recipe.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

While store-bought broth can be convenient, making your bone broth at home has several advantages.

• Control Over Ingredients: When you make bone broth at home, you know exactly what goes into it. This is particularly important if you’re following a specific diet or have food sensitivities. Store-bought broths often contain added sodium, sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
• Quality: Homemade bone broth is typically superior in quality. You can choose the best quality bones from grass-fed or organic sources and the freshest vegetables.
• Nutrient Density: Homemade bone broth is often more nutrient-dense than store-bought versions, as it’s typically simmered longer, allowing for more nutrient extraction from the bones.
• Cost Efficiency: Making bone broth at home can be more cost-effective, especially using leftover bones from other meals.

How To Serve ?

Bone broth is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your taste and needs best. Here are some suggestions:

• Simple Shipping: Warm it up and sip it from a mug like tea or coffee. This is a common way to enjoy bone broth, especially for its health benefits.
• Soup Base: Use it as a base for soups or stews. Add your favorite proteins, vegetables, and grains for a hearty meal.
• Sauce Deglazing: Use it to deglaze a pan after cooking meat or vegetables, which can form the base of a flavorful sauce or gravy.
• Cooking Liquid: Use it instead of water when cooking grains like rice or quinoa to infuse them with flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze the broth in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy portioning.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: If you’re serving the bone broth as a soup, a side of crusty bread or a warm baguette is a great option. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Fresh Salad: A light, fresh salad can balance the rich, savory flavor of the bone broth. You could go for a simple green salad or something more robust like a Greek salad or a Caprese salad.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: If you’re using bone broth as a base for a meat dish, side dishes like steamed broccoli, roasted brussels sprouts, or caramelized carrots will complement it well.
• Rice or Quinoa: If the broth is served with added proteins, a side of rice, quinoa, or another grain can make it a complete meal.
• Noodles: Serving bone broth with a side of noodles can transform it into a comforting, filling dish similar to a noodle soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Refrigeration: Once cooled, store the broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions for easy use. Use ice cube trays for small amounts or freezer-safe bags for larger quantities. Freeze for up to 6 months.
• Thawing: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water. Do not thaw at room temperature to avoid bacterial growth.
• Make Ahead: Prepare a large batch and freeze in portions for future use. Thaw as needed for soups, stews, or as a base for other dishes.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

Leftover bone broth is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous ways to enhance the flavor of your dishes:

• Soup Base: Utilize your leftover bone broth as a base for other soups or stews. It will add a depth of flavor unmatched by store-bought broths.
• Gravy: Thicken the broth with a bit of flour or cornstarch to create a delicious gravy for meat dishes.
• Risotto: Replace the water or stock typically used in risotto with bone broth for an extra savory taste.
• Cooking Grains: Cook grains like rice or quinoa in the broth to infuse them with flavor.
• Steaming Vegetables: Use broth as the steaming liquid for vegetables to add a layer of complexity to their taste.
• Braising Liquid: Use the broth as a braising liquid for meats or vegetables, giving them a delightful taste and tenderness.
• Sauce Deglazing: Deglaze your pan after frying or sautéing with bone broth to create a flavorful pan sauce.

Nutrition Table