5 Ways to Use

Bone broth has gained popularity in recent years for its numerous health benefits and versatility in the kitchen. Not only is it packed with essential nutrients and minerals, but it also adds depth and flavor to a variety of dishes.

So head to your local butcher and ask for bag of bones and get started!

Slow Cooker Bone Broth Recipe: Nourishing Elixir for Body and Soul

Here’s a simple and delicious slow cooker bone broth recipe that will elevate your cooking and nourish your body from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 pounds of mixed bones (such as beef bones, chicken carcasses, or a combination of both)
• 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
• 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorn
• Water, enough to cover the bones

Bone Broth Instructions

1. **Prepare the Bones:** If using beef bones, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until they’re browned and caramelized. This step enhances the flavor of the broth. If using chicken bones, you can skip this step.

2. **Load the Slow Cooker:** Place the bones, chopped vegetables, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and apple cider vinegar in the slow cooker.

3. **Cover with Water:** Pour enough water into the slow cooker to cover the bones and vegetables completely. Be sure not to overfill the slow cooker, leaving about an inch of space at the top.

4. **Cook on Low:** Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the broth simmer gently for 12-24 hours. The longer you simmer the broth, the richer and more flavorful it will become.

5. **Skim the Surface:** Occasionally skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface of the broth with a spoon. This helps keep the broth clear and clean-tasting.

6. **Strain the Broth:** Once the broth has simmered to your desired richness, turn off the slow cooker and allow the broth to cool slightly. Then, using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the broth into a large bowl or container, discarding the solids.

7. **Cool and Store:** Let the broth cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers or jars. Store the broth in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for longer storage.

8. **Enjoy:** Use your homemade bone broth as a base for soups, stews, sauces, or simply sip it warm as a nourishing beverage.

**Tips:**

– You can customize your bone broth by adding additional herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or ginger for extra flavor.

– Save vegetable scraps such as onion skins, carrot tops, and celery leaves in a freezer bag to use when making bone broth. They add flavor and nutrients to the broth while reducing waste.

– For a more concentrated broth, you can reduce the liquid by simmering it uncovered on the stovetop after straining.

With this simple slow cooker bone broth recipe, you can effortlessly incorporate this nutrient-rich elixir into your daily routine, providing your body with the nourishment it craves and your taste buds with the satisfaction they deserve. Cheers to good health and delicious homemade food!

5 Ways to Use Bone Broth

1. Baby Purées:

Introducing solid foods to babies is an important milestone, and bone broth can be a nutritious addition to their diet. Rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, bone broth provides essential minerals necessary for bone development and overall growth. When making baby purées, simply blend cooked vegetables or fruits with bone broth to create a smooth and flavorful meal for your little one. Not only does it enhance the nutritional content of the purée, but it also introduces them to different flavors early on.

2. Soups and Stews:

The classic use of bone broth is in soups and stews, where its rich flavor and nutrient density shine. Whether you’re making a hearty beef stew or a comforting chicken noodle soup, substituting water with bone broth elevates the dish to a new level. The collagen and gelatin found in bone broth add depth and silkiness to the broth, making it not only delicious but also satisfying and nourishing.

3. Cooking Grains:

Enhance the flavor of your grains by cooking them in bone broth instead of water. Whether you’re making rice, quinoa, or couscous, using bone broth as the cooking liquid infuses the grains with savory goodness. Additionally, the minerals present in bone broth help increase the nutritional value of the grains, making them even more wholesome and beneficial for your body.

4. Sauces and Gravies:

Upgrade your sauces and gravies by incorporating bone broth into the recipe. Whether you’re making a creamy mushroom sauce or a savory pan gravy, substituting part of the liquid with bone broth adds richness and depth of flavor. The collagen in bone broth helps create a velvety texture, while the minerals enhance the nutritional profile of the sauce. It’s a simple yet effective way to take your culinary creations to the next level.

5. Smoothies and Juices:

Surprisingly, bone broth can even find its way into your morning smoothie or juice. While it may seem unconventional, adding a splash of bone broth to your smoothie or juice adds a subtle savory note and boosts its nutritional content. Combined with fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients, bone broth can create a well-rounded and nourishing beverage that supports overall health and wellness.

Benefits of Bone Broth

Aside from its versatility in the kitchen, bone broth offers numerous health benefits for both infants and adults. Rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids, bone broth supports gut health, joint function, and immune system function. It’s also easy to digest, making it an ideal food for individuals with digestive issues or food sensitivities. Additionally, the minerals present in bone broth help support bone health, skin elasticity, and overall vitality.

In conclusion, bone broth is not only a flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire but also a powerhouse of nutrients and minerals that promote health and wellness. From baby purées to soups and stews, there are countless ways to incorporate bone broth into your diet and reap its many benefits. So, next time you’re in the kitchen, consider reaching for a batch of homemade bone broth and get creative with how you use it. Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it!