How to make Bone Broth
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 360 mins
Description:
Making bone broth is a simple and rewarding process that yields a flavorful and nutrient-rich liquid. Here's a basic recipe for making homemade bone broth:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds of bones (beef, chicken, turkey, or a mix)
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, quartered (you can leave the skin on for added color)
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from the bones)
- Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water
Method:
- Prep the Bones:
- If you're using raw bones, it's a good idea to roast them in the oven first for about 20-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This enhances the flavor of the broth.
- If you're using leftover bones from a roasted chicken or beef roast, you can skip the roasting step.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Wash and roughly chop the carrots, celery, and onion. You don't need to peel them as the skins add color and flavor to the broth.
- Start Cooking:
- Place the bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker.
- Add the chopped vegetables, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
- Fill the pot with enough water to cover the bones and vegetables. Leave some space at the top as the liquid will simmer and may bubble.
- Optional: Add a handful of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Simmer:
- Slow Cooker: Set it to low and let it cook for 12-24 hours.
- Stovetop: Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 8 hours. The longer you simmer, the richer the flavor.
- Skim the Surface:
- As the broth simmers, impurities and foam may rise to the surface. Skim these off with a spoon.
- Strain:
- Once the broth has simmered and you're satisfied with the flavor, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or another pot. Discard the solids.
- Season:
- Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. You can also let it cool and skim off any fat that solidifies on the surface.
- Store:
- Allow the broth to cool, then refrigerate or freeze it. You can portion it into containers for easy use in recipes.