Gut Nourishing Chicken and Beef Bone Broths

Bone broth, a time-honored culinary tradition, has resurfaced as a nutritional powerhouse that promotes gut health and overall well-being. Creating your own homemade bone broth is a rewarding and surprisingly simple process that allows you to harness the myriad benefits of this nutrient-rich elixir. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the art of making both chicken and beef bone broths, offering you a warm, nourishing cup of wellness.

Chicken Bone Broth:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole organic chicken or chicken bones (from leftover roasted chicken)
• 2-3 carrots, washed and chopped
• 2-3 celery stalks, washed and chopped
• 1 onion, peeled and halved
• 4-6 cloves of garlic, smashed
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley
• Water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken or chicken bones in a large pot and cover with water. Add a splash of vinegar (apple cider vinegar works well) to help extract minerals from the bones.
2. Add the chopped vegetables, onion, garlic, and herbs to the pot.
3. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the broth to simmer for at least 6-8 hours, up to 24 hours. The longer you simmer, the richer the flavor and nutrients will be.
4. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the initial stages of simmering.
5. After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove bones and solids.
6. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of turmeric or ginger for added flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Beef Bone Broth:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds of beef bones (marrow bones, knuckle bones, etc.)
• 2-3 carrots, washed and chopped
• 2-3 celery stalks, washed and chopped
• 1 onion, peeled and halved
• 4-6 cloves of garlic, smashed
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves
• Water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the beef bones in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes until they are browned and caramelized. This step enhances the flavor of the broth.
2. Transfer the roasted bones to a large pot and cover with water. Add a splash of vinegar to help extract minerals.
3. Add the chopped vegetables, onion, garlic, and herbs to the pot.
4. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the broth to simmer for at least 12-24 hours, or even longer.
5. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the initial stages of simmering.
6. After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove bones and solids.
7. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

Making your own chicken and beef bone broths is a fulfilling culinary endeavor that rewards you with a nourishing elixir that supports gut health and overall wellness. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can craft these flavorful broths that can be sipped on their own or used as a base for a variety of soups, stews, and dishes. Remember, the heart of bone broth lies in its slow simmering process, which extracts the nutrients and rich flavors that make it a beloved tonic for generations.