Bone broth is more than just a culinary
staple—it's a timeless tradition steeped in nourishment and resourcefulness. Made by simmering animal bones and connective
tissue, this rich, savory liquid has served as the foundation for soups,
sauces, and gravies across cultures. Some
even sip it straight for its comforting warmth and potential health benefits.
From prehistoric hearths to modern kitchens, bone broth has
endured. Anthropologists believe early
humans boiled bones to extract every last bit of nutrition—a practice that
continues today in kitchens around the world. In Japan, tonkotsu ramen
showcases the depth of pork bone broth, while other regions rely on whatever
animals are locally available, whether it's chicken, beef, turkey, or pork;
bones that might otherwise be discarded become the heart of something deeply
nourishing.
At home, I love using the Instant Pot to
make bone broth. It transforms hours of
slow simmering into a hands-off, foolproof process—perfect for busy days and
big flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork and chicken bones (mixed)
- 1 large onion, peeled and halved
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- A handful of fresh thyme and parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water
- Other Item:
- 6-quart Instant Pot
Directions:
1.
Cleaning the Bones:
2.
Soak
the bones in a large bowl with water, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons
of salt for about 30 minutes. This helps
draw out impurities.
3.
Blanching the Bones:
4.
Bring
a pot of water to a boil. Add the bones
and boil for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse
well under cool running water, then set aside.
This step keeps the broth clear and clean.
5.
Preparing the Broth:
6.
In
your Instant Pot, add the cleaned bones, onion, garlic, bay leaves, herbs,
salt, and pepper. Fill with water up to
the max fill line.
7.
Pressure Cooking:
8.
Secure
the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 3 hours. Let it naturally release pressure after
cooking.
9.
Finishing:
10.
Strain
the broth through a fine mesh strainer.
Let it cool, then refrigerate or freeze for later use. Skim off any fat once the mixture is chilled,
if desired.
Use this rich, flavorful broth for soups, stews, sauces, or as a
nourishing drink on its own.
Bone Broth – Stovetop Version:
Ingredients (same as above):
- 3 lbs of pork and chicken bones
- 1 large onion, halved
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- A handful of fresh thyme and parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water
Directions:
1.
Soaking and Blanching the Bones:
·
Soak
the bones in salted vinegar water for 30 minutes. Rinse well.
·
Boil
the bones in a separate pot for 5 minutes.
Drain and rinse again.
2.
Cooking the Broth:
·
Place
the bones in a large stockpot (at least 8 quarts) to cook.
·
Add
onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
·
Fill
with water, leaving a few inches at the top.
·
Bring
to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer.
·
Simmer uncovered or partially
covered for 8–10 hours,
skimming off foam or fat as needed.
3.
Straining and Storing:
·
Strain
through a fine mesh sieve.
·
Cool
completely before refrigerating or freezing.
🕯️ Bone Broth – Slow Cooker Version:
Directions:
1.
Soaking Blanching the Bones:
·
Follow
the same soaking and blanching steps as above.
2.
Slow Cooking:
·
Add
bones, onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker.
·
Fill
with water, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
·
Cook
on Low for 12–24 hours (the longer the cooking time,
the richer the flavor).
·
You
can also cook on High for 8–10 hours if pressed for time.
3.
Straining and Storing:
·
Strain
well. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for later use.
Tips:
🥣 Health Benefits of Bone Broth
- Supports
Joint Health 🦴 Bone
broth is rich in collagen and gelatin, which may help maintain and repair
cartilage. These compounds support
joint flexibility and reduce wear and tear over time.
- Promotes
Gut Health 🌿 The
amino acids glycine and glutamine found in bone broth help strengthen the
intestinal lining, potentially easing symptoms of leaky gut and improving
digestion2.
- Reduces
Inflammation 🔥
Bone broth contains anti-inflammatory amino acids, such as glycine and
proline, which may help reduce chronic inflammation associated with
conditions like arthritis and IBD.
- Boosts
Skin, Hair, and Nail Health ✨ Collagen and hyaluronic acid in bone broth support skin
elasticity and hydration, while also contributing to stronger nails and
healthier hair.
- Aids
in Weight Management ⚖️
High in protein and low in calories, bone broth can help you feel full
longer, support lean muscle mass, and reduce cravings.
- Improves
Sleep and Relaxation 😴
Glycine, an amino acid in bone broth, has been shown to promote more
profound, more restorative sleep when consumed in the evening.
- Hydration
and Electrolyte Balance 💧
Bone broth is naturally hydrating and contains electrolytes like sodium,
potassium, and magnesium, which help maintain fluid balance.
