Bone broth has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. It is not only a great source of nutrients and protein but is also easy to make at home. However, knowing how to consume bone broth can be just as important as knowing how to make it.
In this article, we will explore the different ways bone broth can be enjoyed, from sipping it straight up to incorporating it into recipes. We will also delve into what bone broth is, how it’s made, and its many benefits. So, whether you’re a seasoned bone broth aficionado or a newcomer to this delicious drink, read on to learn how to drink bone broth and reap its many rewards.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering bones, vegetables, and herbs in water for an extended period. The simmering process extracts minerals and nutrients from the bones, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious broth.
Bone broth is a versatile ingredient and can be used in a variety of recipes, including soups, stews, gravies, and sauces. It can also be consumed on its own, as a warm and comforting beverage.
Benefits of Bone Broth
Bone broth is known for its many health benefits. It is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones and teeth. It also contains collagen, a protein that is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
In addition, bone broth is high in gelatin, which can improve gut health by promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This can lead to improved digestion and a stronger immune system.
Finally, bone broth is a good source of amino acids, which can help reduce inflammation and promote joint health.
How to Make Bone Broth
Making bone broth at home is easy and cost-effective. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make bone broth:
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bones (chicken, beef, or pork) | 2-3 pounds |
| Water | 8-10 cups |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Vegetables (onions, carrots, celery) | 2-3 cups |
| Herbs (thyme, bay leaves, parsley) | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Roast the bones in the oven for 20-30 minutes until browned.
- Add the bones to a large stockpot, along with water and apple cider vinegar, and bring to a boil over high heat. Skim any foam off the top.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 6-8 hours (or up to 24 hours) until the broth is rich and flavorful.
- Add vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat, let it cool down slightly, and strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a large container.
- Let it cool down completely and transfer to containers for refrigeration or freezing.
Tip: For a more gelatinous broth, add chicken feet or pork trotters to the pot.
How to Store Bone Broth
Now that you’ve made a delicious batch of bone broth, it’s important to know how to properly store it to maintain its freshness and health benefits.
The best way to store bone broth is in airtight containers, such as mason jars or freezer bags. If you plan on using the broth within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it for longer, freeze it in small portions for easy thawing.
Refrigerating Bone Broth
When refrigerating bone broth, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure to label the container with the date it was made so you can keep track of its freshness.
Freezing Bone Broth
When freezing bone broth, use freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Leave some room at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the liquid freezes. You can freeze bone broth for up to six months.
When thawing frozen bone broth, it’s best to place the container in the refrigerator the night before you plan on using it. Alternatively, you can thaw it in a bowl of cold water or on low heat on the stove. Once thawed, use the bone broth within two days.
Properly storing bone broth ensures that you always have a healthy and nutritious ingredient on hand for your favorite recipes.
Drinking Bone Broth Straight Up
One of the easiest ways to enjoy bone broth is to drink it straight up in its warm liquid form. While it may be an acquired taste for some, drinking bone broth can provide many health benefits.
How to Drink Bone Broth
First, heat up the bone broth until it is warm. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave.
Next, take a sip and savor the flavor. If you find it too strong, you can add herbs and spices to enhance the taste.
Some popular additions include:
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Thyme
You can also add a pinch of salt to help bring out the flavors.
Benefits of Drinking Bone Broth Straight Up
Drinking bone broth straight up allows you to absorb all of the nutrients and minerals that the broth has to offer. These include:
| Nutrient/MIneral | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Collagen | Improves skin health and elasticity |
| Gelatin | Helps heal and seal the gut |
| Glucosamine and Chondroitin | Beneficial for joint health |
| Amino acids | Helps with overall body function and repair |
| Electrolytes | Aids in hydration and balances fluids in the body |
Drinking bone broth straight up can also be a comforting and warming beverage, especially during the colder months.
Bone Broth Soup
One of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy bone broth is by using it as a soup base. Not only does it add a rich and savory flavor to soups, but it also provides a multitude of health benefits. Here are three different soup recipes that feature bone broth as the star ingredient.
Chicken Noodle Soup
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. |
| 1 onion, chopped | 2. Add chicken broth, bone broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes. |
| 3 celery stalks, chopped | 3. Add chicken and noodles and cook until noodles are tender and chicken is cooked through, about 10 more minutes. |
| 3 carrots, chopped | 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve. |
| 3 cups chicken broth | |
| 3 cups bone broth | |
| 2 bay leaves | |
| 1 teaspoon dried thyme | |
| 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded | |
| 4 ounces egg noodles |
Beef and Vegetable Soup
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 1 pound stew meat, cubed | 1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | 2. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. |
| 1 onion, chopped | 3. Add beef broth, bone broth, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 30 minutes. |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | 4. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes and cook until vegetables are tender, about 20 more minutes. |
| 3 cups beef broth | 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve. |
| 3 cups bone broth | |
| 2 tablespoons tomato paste | |
| 2 bay leaves | |
| 3 carrots, chopped | |
| 3 celery stalks, chopped | |
| 2 potatoes, chopped |
Creamy Mushroom Soup
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon butter | 1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. |
| 1 onion, chopped | 2. Add mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 10 minutes. |
| 3 cloves garlic, minced | 3. Add bone broth and thyme. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15 minutes. |
| 6 cups sliced mushrooms | 4. In a separate pot, whisk together heavy cream and flour. Heat over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. |
| 4 cups bone broth | 5. Add cream mixture to mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. |
| 1 teaspoon dried thyme | 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve. |
| 1 cup heavy cream | |
| 2 tablespoons flour |
Try these recipes and experiment with your favorite vegetables and spices to create your own signature bone broth soup.
Bone Broth Smoothie
Bone broth in a smoothie? You might be thinking that sounds strange, but hear us out! Adding bone broth to your smoothie is an easy and tasty way to get the benefits of bone broth while also enjoying a delicious drink. Not to mention, it’s a great way to switch up your smoothie routine and add some variety to your diet.
Why Add Bone Broth to a Smoothie?
Before we get into the recipes, let’s talk about why you might want to add bone broth to your smoothie. As we mentioned earlier, bone broth has numerous health benefits, including boosting immunity, improving gut and joint health, and promoting weight loss. By adding bone broth to your smoothie, you’re incorporating these benefits into a tasty and easy-to-consume drink.
Recipes
Below are a few recipes to get you started:
| Green Bone Broth Smoothie | Berry Bone Broth Smoothie |
|---|---|
|
|
Simply add the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. You can also add ice for a colder and thicker smoothie.
The Bottom Line
Don’t be afraid to mix things up and add bone broth to your smoothie routine. With these tasty recipes, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of bone broth in a refreshing and delicious way.
Bone Broth Latte
If you’re a coffee lover but want to switch up your morning routine, a bone broth latte could be just the thing for you. With its creamy texture and savory flavor, it’s a comforting and nourishing alternative to your usual cup of Joe.
To make a bone broth latte, start by heating up a cup of bone broth until it’s warm but not boiling. In a separate pot, heat up a cup of your favorite milk (such as almond or coconut) until it’s hot but not scalded. Combine the bone broth and milk in a blender and blend on high until frothy and creamy.
Recipe
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 cup bone broth | Heat up the bone broth until warm but not boiling. |
| 1 cup milk (almond, coconut, etc.) | Heat up the milk until hot but not scalded. |
| 1 tsp. honey (optional) | Blend all ingredients in a blender on high until frothy and creamy. |
| Cinnamon (optional) | Pour into a mug and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. |
Feel free to experiment with different spices and flavors – some popular additions include ginger, turmeric, and vanilla extract. And if you prefer a sweeter latte, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. Enjoy the warm and comforting benefits of bone broth in a delicious and unique way.
Bone Broth Gravy
Bone broth can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your homemade gravy. Not only does it add depth of flavor, but it also provides added health benefits. Here are some tips and recipes for using bone broth in your gravy:
Recipe 1: Classic Gravy
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 cup bone broth | Heat the bone broth in a small saucepan over medium heat. |
| 1 Tbsp butter | Add the butter and stir until melted. |
| 1 Tbsp flour | Add the flour and whisk until smooth. |
| 1 cup chicken or beef broth | Add the chicken or beef broth and whisk until smooth. |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
Note: You can substitute the chicken or beef broth with more bone broth for a more intense flavor.
Recipe 2: Mushroom Gravy
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 cup bone broth | Heat the bone broth in a small saucepan over medium heat. |
| 1 Tbsp butter | Add the butter and stir until melted. |
| 1 Tbsp flour | Add the flour and whisk until smooth. |
| 1 cup chicken or beef broth | Add the chicken or beef broth and whisk until smooth. |
| 1 cup sliced mushrooms | Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender. |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
Note: You can use any variety of mushrooms for this recipe.
Bone Broth Marinade
Marinades are a great way to add flavor and tenderness to meats and vegetables. Why not amplify the health benefits of your marinade by using bone broth as the base? The gelatin in bone broth helps to tenderize the meat, while the nutrients boost the flavor profile. Here are some delicious bone broth marinade recipes to try:
| Recipe | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Broth BBQ Marinade | 1 cup bone broth, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt |
|
| Bone Broth Herb Marinade | 1 cup bone broth, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper to taste |
|
Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the perfect bone broth marinade for your taste buds. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or sautéing, bone broth marinades are a delicious and nutrient-packed addition to any meal.
Bone Broth Popsicles
Bone broth popsicles may sound unusual, but they are a great way to enjoy the health benefits of bone broth during hot weather. These frozen treats are easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and ingredients.
To make bone broth popsicles, simply pour your homemade bone broth into popsicle molds and freeze until solid. You can also mix in fruit, herbs, or spices for added flavor and nutrition.
| Ingredients | Directions |
|---|---|
| – 2 cups bone broth | 1. Pour bone broth into popsicle molds. 2. Add any additional ingredients, such as fruit or herbs. 3. Insert popsicle sticks. 4. Freeze until solid, at least 4-6 hours. |
| – 1 cup fresh berries, pureed | |
| – 1 tablespoon honey |
When it comes to flavors, the options are endless. For a fruity popsicle, mix in fresh berries or pureed fruit. For a savory treat, add in spices like turmeric or ground ginger. Play around with different combinations until you find your favorite.
Bone broth popsicles are a tasty way to stay cool and nourished during the summer months. Plus, they make for a fun and healthy snack for kids and adults alike.
Bone Broth Risotto
Risotto is a creamy and flavorful Italian dish that traditionally requires a lot of stirring to create the perfect texture. The addition of bone broth can not only add depth of flavor but also provide additional health benefits.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter or olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Arborio rice | 1 cup |
| Dry white wine | ½ cup |
| Bone broth, heated | 3 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Directions
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add rice and stir constantly until the grains are coated and begin to toast slightly.
- Stir in white wine and allow it to be absorbed by the rice.
- Add heated bone broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly until each cup is absorbed before adding the next.
- Continue adding bone broth and stirring until the rice is creamy and has a slightly firm texture, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy immediately!
Using bone broth as a base for risotto not only adds flavor but also adds additional nutrients and health benefits to your meal. Give it a try and see how bone broth can elevate your risotto game!
Bone Broth Salad Dressing
Using bone broth to create a salad dressing is a simple and healthy way to add flavor and nutrition to your greens. This easy-to-make dressing is packed with vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system, promote gut health, and support healthy joints.
| Ingredients: | 1/2 cup bone broth | 2 tbsp olive oil | 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar | 1 tsp honey | 1 tsp Dijon mustard | 1/4 tsp salt | 1/4 tsp black pepper |
|---|
To make the dressing, whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Pour over your favorite salad greens and enjoy!
Not only does this dressing taste great, but it also adds an extra dose of nutrients to your salad. Bone broth is known for its high collagen content, which can help improve the health of your skin, hair, and nails. It is also a good source of amino acids that can help support muscle growth and repair.
Try using different types of bone broth for this recipe to add variety and different health benefits. Chicken bone broth is a great option if you’re looking for a more subtle flavor, while beef bone broth can add a rich and savory taste to your dressing.
Bone Broth for Weight Loss
Bone broth has been gaining popularity in the health and fitness community for its many benefits, including its ability to aid in weight loss. Bone broth is rich in protein, which can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake. It also contains collagen, which can improve skin elasticity and promote a healthy gut.
Drinking bone broth as a snack or meal replacement can be a healthy and satisfying way to decrease calorie intake and promote weight loss. Additionally, bone broth can be used as a base for soups and stews, which can provide a filling and nutritious meal option.
Furthermore, bone broth has been linked to improved gut and joint health, which can indirectly lead to weight loss. A healthy gut can improve digestion and nutrient absorption, which can help regulate metabolism and promote weight loss. Similarly, healthy joints can support physical activity and exercise, which are crucial for weight management.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about bone broth:
What are the health benefits of bone broth?
Bone broth has numerous health benefits, including improving gut and joint health, promoting weight loss, and boosting immunity. It is also rich in important nutrients like collagen, gelatin, and amino acids.
Can bone broth help with weight loss?
Yes, bone broth can aid in weight loss. Its high protein content can help promote feelings of fullness, which can lead to consuming fewer calories overall. Also, the glycine in bone broth helps the liver break down fat more efficiently.
Is bone broth good for gut health?
Yes, bone broth is great for gut health. The collagen and gelatin in bone broth help to soothe and heal the gut lining, while also improving digestion and reducing inflammation.
How does bone broth promote joint health?
Bone broth is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are important components of joint health. These compounds help to improve joint flexibility and reduce inflammation and pain.
Can bone broth boost immunity?
Yes, bone broth can boost immunity. It contains important nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential for a healthy immune system. It also contains amino acids like arginine and glutamine, which have been shown to improve immune function.
How much bone broth should I drink?
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, it is generally recommended to consume 1-2 cups of bone broth per day to experience its health benefits. However, it is important to note that bone broth should not be relied on as the sole source of nutrition.
