Bone Broth in the Instant Pot: A Global Tradition Made Simple

 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.