How to Make Homemade Bone Broth
My son played a huge role in my wanting to know more about nutrition. My health was not the best either, and I was determined to find out what the root cause of our issues was. Thankfully I was introduced to a Functional Nutritionist and our lives were completely changed. From never getting an answer to what was causing our ailments to now being told what the root cause was and exactly what we could do to restore our health, I was overjoyed to know this was possible for my family. So many things played a huge role in our health journey. But one thing we can all do daily (and it can often have a huge impact on our lives!) is what we choose to eat. Coming from a diet that was full of sugar and processed food, I had no idea the extent of the impact that food had on our health. Whole nutrient-dense food was introduced, and our bodies thrived in it. Let me share one of the main things we relied on that, to this day, is still a staple in our home!
I believe in bio-individuality because what works for one person may not work for another. But there is one dish that I can attribute to helping restore my health and my sons. That is bone broth! This simple, easy liquid has amazing nutrients and health benefits that our body needs. It’s a soup base that can be made in several ways. Boiling chicken, cow, or turkey bones that include salt, some veggies, herbs, and apple cider vinegar. It’s also so simple to make, and once you learn, you will always have an amazing tool for your health. Now that winter is here, bone broth is made consistently in my home.
THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS TO BONE BROTH:
A nourishing drink when sick. Great to have on hand when an illness occurs. During that time, your appetite is not the best, but having a cup of broth is very nourishing and great for you. You can freeze it as well and always have it available when needed.
It can be added to many dishes that you cook instead of water. Use it for some soups, beans, stews, rice, and honestly, any dish you make. I think it gives it an extra flavor.
Boosts immunity: It has essential nutrients and amino acids that help the immune system function properly 1
Helps with hydration: Bone broth has trace minerals, which are great electrolytes for our body. Electrolytes are like spark plugs to our body and help us hydrate.
Gut healing: Bone broth contains gelatin, glycine, and glutamine; these each have great components that help our health. It is very soothing to our digestive system and is much needed when dealing with inflammation.
HOMEMADE BONE BROTH
Ingredients:
(All ingredients are organic.)
1 organic whole chicken (preferably pasture-raised)
3 chicken feet (if your health food store carries)
4 celeries
1 whole onion
1 head of garlic
3 capfuls of raw apple cider vinegar
3 carrots
1 bunch of parsley
4 quarts of water (really depends on the size of your pot as well. I would fill the pot leaving 3 in of space on the top)
2 tbsp sea salt (real salt is what I use)
Instructions:
Grab a big stock pot and add half the water.
Add in the rinsed whole chicken, chicken feet, garlic, carrots, celery, and apple cider vinegar. Add the rest of the water.
Turn on high, and let it come to a strong boil. Once boiling, you can skim off the foamy top and dump it.
You then lower and cover it and let it simmer for up to 12-24 hours. (My family loves it at the 12-hour mark.)
Once done, add in the parsley and the salt and let that sit for about 30 minutes. You then can get a big bowl and strainer and carefully dump all the ingredients in. You can pull the chicken off, store it in the fridge, and use it for many dishes. (Even throw in a cup or bowl with the broth) The broth can be added to mason jars for great storage.
If you want to freeze it for later use, make sure you leave 2 inches of space from the top. In the fridge, it can last up to 3-4 days. Check your local farmers near you to see if they sell pasture-raised chicken, and they usually carry chicken feet as well.
You and your family will enjoy this powerful, comforting broth. It’s great to have a cup in the mornings. It replaced my coffee for a season. If you want to see someone making it, here is a great video for those that are visual. How to make bone broth. Anyone can benefit from adding bone broth to their diet, regardless of age or health status. It’s delicious and easy to make at home. If you’re not currently incorporating bone broth into your meals, now is the time to start!
If you don’t have time to make homemade broth, these are great options to choose from:
