How to Make Bone Broth and Why It's Healthy

The Humble Bone Broth: A Kitchen Staple and a Health Elixir

For years, I've been a busy working mom, juggling a demanding career with the never-ending demands of family life. Finding time for myself, let alone preparing elaborate meals, often felt impossible. Yet, amidst the chaos, I discovered a simple, yet powerful, ally in my pursuit of health and well-being: bone broth. It's become a staple in my kitchen, a versatile ingredient that nourishes both body and soul.

I remember the first time I made bone broth. Honestly, I was skeptical. The thought of simmering bones for hours seemed tedious and frankly, a little strange. But the allure of its purported health benefits—enhanced digestion, stronger joints, glowing skin—was enough to pique my interest. And let me tell you, the results far exceeded my expectations. The rich, savory flavor was unexpectedly delightful, a far cry from the bland broth I was accustomed to. More than that, I felt a noticeable difference in my energy levels and overall well-being. My skin felt smoother, my digestion improved, and I even noticed a reduction in my usual aches and pains.

Making bone broth isn't a complicated process. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and mindful preparation. It begins with the bones themselves, which I usually source from my local butcher. I like to use a mix of beef and chicken bones, but any type of bone will do – marrow bones are especially rich and flavorful. The key is to use high-quality, preferably organic, ingredients. I usually add a generous amount of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, to add depth of flavor and an extra dose of nutrients. A splash of apple cider vinegar helps to extract the minerals from the bones, leading to a more potent broth. The simmering process is long and slow, usually lasting anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. This slow cooking extracts the maximum amount of collagen, gelatin, and minerals from the bones. The resulting broth is incredibly nourishing, rich in nutrients, and bursting with flavor. It's a kitchen staple that deserves its place in every home.

Beyond its nutritional benefits, making bone broth has become a meditative practice for me. The slow simmering, the gentle aroma filling the kitchen, it’s a calming ritual that allows me to disconnect from the day's stresses and reconnect with something simple and nourishing. It's a time for reflection, a pause in the whirlwind of daily life. The rhythmic bubbling of the pot becomes a gentle soundtrack to my quiet moments, a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding things in life are the simplest.

Beyond the Pot: Creative Uses for Your Bone Broth

Once you’ve experienced the magic of homemade bone broth, you'll find yourself seeking ways to incorporate it into your daily diet. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:

Soups and Stews: The most obvious use, and perhaps the most rewarding. A simple chicken noodle soup made with bone broth is infinitely superior to its store-bought counterpart, delivering a depth of flavor that's impossible to replicate. The same applies to stews and other hearty dishes.

Sauces and Gravies: Add a touch of richness and depth to your sauces and gravies by using bone broth as a base. It adds a subtle savory note that elevates any dish.

Rice and Grains: Cooking rice or other grains in bone broth infuses them with a delightful flavor and an extra dose of nutrients.

Drinks: I often enjoy a warm mug of bone broth on a chilly evening. It’s a comforting and nutritious beverage that's a great alternative to hot chocolate or tea.

Smoothies: A small amount of bone broth can be added to smoothies to boost their nutritional value. It adds a subtle savory flavor and thickens the consistency.

Facial Steams: Believe it or not, bone broth can even be used for skincare! A facial steam using bone broth can help soothe and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.

Making bone broth is more than just preparing a meal; it's an act of self-care, a small act of rebellion against the fast-paced, processed food culture. It’s a testament to the power of slow cooking, mindful preparation, and the surprising benefits of simple ingredients. So, take your time, savor the process, and enjoy the rich, nourishing rewards of homemade bone broth. Your body, and your taste buds, will thank you.

Step-by-step

• Don't wash the bones.
• Place the bones in a large pot with cold water and bring to a boil until you see brown foam (cooked blood) floating. Discard the water and the foam.
• Boil again with new water and discard the brown foam again. Do this about 2-3 times until you don't see the brown foam.
• When the final boil is clean, add the rest of the ingredients and simmer, following the schedule below.
• If you want to use your crock pot, follow the steps above to #4. Set the setting to HIGH for about 3 hours. Then, lower the temp to LOW and forget about it for about 12-18 hours, depending on the type of bone.
• When the broth is done, strain the broth over a sieve, discard the veggies but save the bones for a second boiling. To prevent a histamine reaction, freeze the broth right away.
• You can store the broth in mason jars in the refrigerator for immediate consumption, up to 3 days. When you freeze them in mason jars, make sure to use wide-mouth jars with a wide neck. Fill it up about 1-2 inches below the neck to allow for expansion. Defrost them in the refrigerator before eating.
• Saved bones can be boiled for a second time. I've added new bones to the second batch of bones for richer flavor. I'd save steak bones or rib bones from dinners and added them to the second batch and they add great flavor.