Not only is homemade bone broth delicious, but it is also incredibly healthy for your gut! A few years ago, my oldest son developed a bad infection after a major surgery he had. After a three-week hospital stay with antibiotics being pumped through IV as well as oral pain medication and then being on antibiotics orally for over a year, I knew I had to do something to heal his gut!
At first, I turned to over-the-counter probiotics, made milk kefir smoothies, and tried my best to help him out in any way I could. He eventually grew tired of the smoothies and having to take more pills ( probiotics) on top of the antibiotics he was already taking several times a day.
That’s when I started reading about all the amazing benefits of bone broth! If made correctly, bone broth pulls out all the collagen and gelatin, and is full of protein and minerals. The best part is, you do not need to just warm up a cup to sip, you can sneak it into almost anything you make!
One of my favorite ways to use bone broth is in bean soup. I do not soak my dry beans before cooking them. I just give them a rinse, throw them in a pot, and cover them with the bone broth. As they cook they will absorb all of that yummy goodness! I then add filtered water as needed until the beans have finished cooking. The broth around the beans is always so rich and delicious.
Be sure to save all of your chicken bones! Even if it’s fried chicken from a restaurant, after we’re finished eating, I throw the bones in a freezer bag and save them in the freezer until I’m ready for them.
There are a few different ways to make the broth. You can cover the bones in filtered water, add a couple of splashes of cider vinegar, and cook on a low simmer for 24 hours. Or you can do like I do, which is quick and easy. Use that InstantPot! I add all the bones that will fit into the pot, cover with filtered water, add a splash or two of cider vinegar (which helps break down the bones), add a pinch of salt, and pressure cook for 4 hours on low pressure. If desired you can also add some veggies to make it even more delicious and healthy! After the 4 hours have ended I let it release pressure naturally unless I’m in a hurry to use the broth. I then strain off the bones and let cool completely before putting it into a freezer bag or storing in the fridge. If stored in the fridge, I would use it within a few days. The broth will set up and be very gelatinous which is exactly what you want!
The photo above is a soup I made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs, and topped with sharp cheddar cheese! I used bone broth and it is so delicious! I hope you all enjoy!