Bone broth is valued all over the world for its delicious taste and highly nutritious components. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, collagen, gelatin, keratin and stock full of amino acids. Bone broth is an amazing elixir that is made from essentially simmered animal bones, herbs and spices. It tastes amazing, is super healthy and can be used in various different ways.

I make bone broth often, switching up my techniques from a slow-simmer two-day process to a "quick fix" broth that can be finished in just a few hours. Either way, homemade bone broth lends itself to a full flavor profile that can warm your belly and heal your body. And never worry about making too much -- throw the extra stock into the freezer as this versatile recipe can be made into anything from soups, to bean dishes, to sautés.

I like to switch up my recipes- this one I added garlic, ginger, celery, onion and rosemary!

Health Benefits of Bone Broth

Bone broth is a nourishing and wholesome food that fits into almost all diets (Whole30, paleo, low carb, organic, etc.). Regardless of your diet, it has many benefits for all people:

Promotes bone health
Improves digestive health
Provides trace minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus
Great source of collagen
Fights colds and flu, supports immune function
Helps reduce joint pain and inflammation

Nutritional components of bone broth

Protein
Glycine
Chondroitin sulfate
Collagen
Hyaluronic acis
Glucosamine
Essential minerals and electrolytes such as Calcium magnesium potassium

Ways to use Bone Broth

Soup base
Use instead of water when cooking rice, grains, or beans
Freeze into ice cubes to use for flavoring later
Puree with vegetables and make into baby food
Drink warm as a nourishing elixir (as you would tea or another broth)

Simple Bone Broth Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound of organic bones from beef, chicken, lamb or even fish ( you can grab some beef bones from the butcher or use from leftover cooked meat)
4 cups of water
1 Tbsp. Unfiltered Apple cider vinegar
Optional- veggies and spices. I love to add ginger and tumeric! But anything works like carrots and celery, onions, garlic, rosemary, etc. Feel free to experiment with a variety of veggies and herbs to change and boost the nutritive powers of this healing elixir.

Directions

*If starting off with raw bones place them on a baking sheet and place into the oven at 450 for about 15 minutes as this helps deepen the flavor!

Place all bones in a large pot and cover with cold water
Add the vinegar and let the bones soak for about 30 minutes
Bring water to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and remove any froth that forms
Allow broth to remain at a slow simmer for 4 hours and up to 2 days. This can be done in a crock pot. The mineral content increase with time!
Halfway through cooking- add your veggies and spices
After cooking, remove pot from heat remove the bones and veggies
Strain remaining broth with a metal strainer or a cheese cloth
The broth will store for around five days in the fridge or several months in the freezer!
Enjoy!