The Ultimate Comfort: Homemade Bone Broth

Learn making bone broth like my Nan used to! A nourishing chicken bone broth recipe that's easy in the slow cooker. Perfect for sipping or soup! Get the recipe now.

Right, let's dive into making bone broth , shall we? ever feel like you need a big hug from the inside out? honestly, that's exactly what bone broth is like.

It's my go-to when i'm feeling a bit under the weather, or just fancy something comforting. it's more than just stock.

It's homemade bone broth , slow-cooked goodness that's actually good for you, know what i mean?

Liquid Gold: Why Bone Broth?

Bone broth isn't some new-fangled health fad. it's ancient! cultures all over the world have been simmering bones for centuries.

This is how they made use of every bit of food. plus, it’s supposed to be brilliant for your gut and joints.

Think of it as your chicken bone broth recipe , but upgraded.

Getting Started with Your Bone Broth Recipe

This recipe is pretty straightforward. think of it as a medium difficulty thing, requiring mostly time rather than mad skills.

Prep takes about 20 minutes. then, a long simmer for 8- 24 hours depending how rich you want it. this will give you roughly 8-10 cups.

Enough for soups, sipping, or whatever takes your fancy.

Benefits You Can Actually Feel

One of the best things? all that lovely collagen! it's supposed to be amazing for your skin and joints. i like to think of it as a bone broth diet cheat code.

It's also great as a base for bone broth soup when you want something a little more substantial. what makes this special? the depth of flavour you get from slow cooking.

Honestly, it is miles beyond anything you'd pick up from the shop.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks

Right, what you'll need: around 2-3 pounds of beef bones or a pollo tropical carcass – you can even ask your butcher for beef bones .

Then, your usual suspects: onion, carrots, celery, garlic, ginger (optional), peppercorns, a bay leaf, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Don’t forget the parsley at the end. time to prep slow cooker bone broth!

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need for making bone broth . it’s easier than you think, promise! plus, homemade bone broth is way better than anything you'll find in a carton.

Honestly, once you taste the difference, you'll never go back. and think of all the things you can do: bone broth soup, or simply use it to cook.

Now, you're probably wondering, what to use bone broth for ?

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

• Beef bones: 2-3 pounds (900g - 1.36kg). go for a mix – knuckle bones, marrow bones, the works. you know, proper beef bones .

  Quality matters here. look for bones that are a good colour, not too pale. this is great if you want a beef bone broth

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). For roasting and sautéing.

• Yellow Onion: 1 large , roughly chopped (about 200g). The base of flavour, innit?

• Carrots: 2 , roughly chopped (about 150g). Adds a touch of sweetness.

• Celery: 2 stalks , roughly chopped (about 100g). For that classic savoury note.

• Garlic: 4 cloves , smashed. Don't be shy!

• Ginger: 1 inch (2.5 cm) piece, peeled and chopped (optional). Adds a lovely warmth. I do love a good broth.

• Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon (5g). Essential.

• Bay Leaf: 1 . The unsung hero of flavour.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). This helps draw out all the good stuff.

• Fresh Parsley: 1/2 bunch , chopped (added last hour). Freshness boost.

• Water: 12-16 cups (2.8 - 3.8 liters), cold and filtered. I tend to go overboard with the water, just topping it up now and then.

Seasoning Notes

For the chicken bone broth recipe , use chicken carcasses , not beef. simmer for less time. it's still delish!.

I also love pollo tropical , and if i have some of their leftover chicken bones. bingo!.

Salt to taste, of course. i find a pinch of turmeric adds a nice colour and health boost, too. essential spice combinations are key.

Bay leaf and peppercorns are non-negotiable. experiment with things like star anise or a pinch of fennel seeds for a bit of je ne sais quoi.

Also how to season bone broth to drink , add a squeeze of lemon when serving.

Quick substitutions? If you don't have apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice works. No celery? A bit more onion will do the trick.

Equipment Needed

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 8 quarts / 7.5 liters). This is crucial, so make sure you have this!. Perfect for Slow Cooker Bone Broth , if you want to use it, or an instant pot.
• Baking sheet. For roasting the bones.
• Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander. To strain the broth.
• Fat separator (optional). Makes life easier, tbh.

Don't have a fancy sieve? a tea towel lined colander will do. no fat separator? just chill the broth and skim the fat off the top.

Job done! as for how long does bone broth last in fridge , around 5 days.

Right, that’s the gear sorted. Let's get cooking, shall we?

Right then, fancy making bone broth ? it's like a hug in a mug, and honestly, it's easier than you think.

Plus, it’s way better than anything you'll find pre-made, and you can sip it straight up. perfect for those chilly evenings, innit?

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your bits and bobs ready. essential mise en place is key.

Chop up those veggies – one large yellow onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks. crush four cloves of garlic.

And measure out one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. if you are adding ginger, peel and roughly chop one inch of it.

Now, about those bones. grab two to three pounds of beef bones . i like a mix of knuckle, marrow, and meaty bones.

You can use beef bones , chicken bone broth or even turkey.

Safety first! Always wash your hands after handling raw meat.

The Bone Broth Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, listen up! This ain’t rocket science, but pay attention.

1. Roast the bones. pop them on a baking sheet. drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. roast at 400° f ( 200° c) for 30- 45 minutes .

   They should be deeply browned. roasting intensifies the flavour.

2. Sauté the aromatics. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in your stockpot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes until soft and browned.

3. Deglaze & add bones. add garlic, ginger (if using), peppercorns, and a bay leaf to the pot. stir for one minute .

   Add the bones and deglaze the pot with apple cider vinegar. scrape up any browned bits - flavour bombs, these.

4. Add water and simmer. chuck in 12-16 cups of cold, filtered water. make sure the bones are fully submerged. bring to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat right down.

   Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.

5. Simmer (Low and Slow). Cover and simmer for at least 8 hours , or even up to 24 hours . Check the water level now and then.

6. Add Parsley. During the last hour, add half a bunch of fresh parsley.

7. Strain and Cool. Carefully strain the broth. Chuck the solids. Let it cool a bit.

8. Separate fat if needed. If you want to skim it or not is up to you!

9. Season and store, add salt to taste!

Bone Broth Tips: Little Nuggets of Wisdom

• Roast those bones, seriously! It's the secret to a proper flavour.
• Don't be tempted to rush it. Low and slow is the name of the game when making bone broth .
• Avoid over-salting . You can always add more later!
• Freeze in portions. This way homemade bone broth is always on hand. You can drink it straight or use it to cook. What to use bone broth for ? Everything! Soups, stews, even risotto!

So, there you have it! my super simple guide to making bone broth . forget about what's the best bone broth to buy , you've got the recipe to cook it yourself now.

It’s proper good, you know? and, i hope you'll let me know how you how to season bone broth to drink with! now, get in that kitchen and get simmering!

Alright then, let's talk Recipe Notes for this Homemade Bone Broth magic. You know, the little bits and bobs that take it from "meh" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!".

Recipe Notes: The Secret's in the Simmer

Think of these as the little cheats to make your Bone Broth the best on the block.

Slurping Suggestions: Get Your Broth On

How should you even serve this liquid gold? honestly, the possibilities are endless. if you are using chicken bone broth recipe , try serving it in a mug, proper warm like.

A squeeze of lemon is lovely. if you're feeling fancy, a sprig of rosemary looks the business.

Fancy something a bit more substantial? use it as a base for a banging bone broth soup . for a bit of angelsoni inspiration, you can try using this amazing recipe in a pollo tropical-inspired chicken and rice soup.

Storing Your Liquid Gold: Keeping it Fresh

So, you've made a massive batch and need to know what to do. how long does bone broth last in fridge ? usually around 5 days, kept airtight in the fridge.

Want to keep it longer? freeze it!

You can freeze in individual portions. Ice cube trays are ideal. Reheating is easy, just microwave or gently heat on the hob. No worries!

Swapsies: Variations for Everyone

Fancy a tweak? Go for it! For a dietary thing, this can work with low sodium diets really well if you watch how much salt you add.

Seasonal ingredients? In winter, add some parsnip for sweetness. In summer, basil is really good.

Bits of Goodness: The Healthy Stuff

Making bone broth isn't just tasty, it's good for you too! bone broth diet is a thing because it's packed with collagen.

That is good for your skin. it's got minerals too. think of it as a delicious way to keep yourself healthy.

Right then, hopefully that's given you some ideas! beef bone broth , slow cooker bone broth or even just playing with flavours; get stuck in! honestly, just relax, have fun, and enjoy what to use bone broth for .

This is your chance to get creative, don't be afraid to play with the broth recipes . before you know it you will have discovered amazing ways to drink bone broth and the best ways for how to season bone broth to drink .

And if it's not for you then you can always discover best bone broth to buy instead!

Happy simmering, you legend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of bones are best for making bone broth, and where can I find them?

The best bones for making bone broth are a mix of meaty bones, marrow bones, and knuckle bones, as they provide the most flavor and collagen. You can usually find them at your local butcher shop or even the meat counter at your supermarket; just ask if they have bones available for stock. Think of it as like asking for dripping from your butcher, it's a classic!

Why do I need to roast the bones before making bone broth? Is it really necessary?

Roasting the bones before simmering is definitely worth the effort because it significantly enhances the flavour of your bone broth. The roasting process creates Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned foods their distinctive and delicious flavour – think of it like toasting bread; it's good untoasted, but much better once you've given it a bit of colour. This results in a deeper, richer, and more complex-tasting broth, a bit like the difference between instant coffee and a proper espresso!

How long should I simmer when making bone broth, and can I overcook it?

Simmering for at least 8 hours is recommended to extract the maximum flavour and nutrients from the bones when making bone broth; some people simmer for up to 24 hours. While it's difficult to "overcook" in the traditional sense, simmering for too long (beyond 24 hours) can sometimes result in a slightly bitter taste, especially if using poultry bones, so be mindful. Think of it like brewing tea, you don't want to leave the bag in too long!

How do I store bone broth, and how long will it last?

Once cooled, bone broth can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions (ice cube trays or small containers are ideal) for up to 3 months; freezing in portions allows you to defrost only what you need, preventing waste. It's a bit like batch cooking a Shepherd's Pie; makes life easier down the line!

Is there a vegetarian version of bone broth I can make?

Absolutely! While not technically "bone broth," you can create a deeply flavorful vegetarian broth by simmering a combination of root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, turnips), mushrooms (shiitake are great for umami), and seaweed (like kombu) for a similar length of time. This mimics the richness and depth of flavor you'd find in bone broth, offering a nutritious and satisfying alternative, similar to a hearty vegetable stew.

What are the health benefits of bone broth, and is it really worth all the hype?

Bone broth is touted for its potential health benefits, largely due to its collagen content, which is thought to support joint health and skin elasticity. It's also a good source of minerals and electrolytes, potentially beneficial for gut health and immune support; however, more research is needed to fully substantiate all claims. Whether it's "worth the hype" is subjective, but many people find it a comforting and nourishing addition to their diet, much like a good bowl of porridge on a cold morning.

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