Thursday, November 20, 2014

Healing Bone Broth

Homemade Broth/Stock can be used as the liquid in making soups, stews, gravies, sauces, and reductions. It can also be used to sauté or roast vegetables. Broth is an excellent source of minerals and is known to boost the immune system and improve digestion. Especially in the fall and winter, we try to drink at least 1 cup per person per day as a health boost.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds (or more) of bones (approx. 2 carcasses from Roast Chicken)
  • 2 chicken feet for extra gelatin (optional)
  • 1 onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 stalks of celery
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Optional: 1 bunch of parsley, 1 tablespoon or more of sea salt, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, additional herbs or spices to taste
If you are using raw bones, it improves flavor to roast them in the oven first for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Then, place bones in a large stock pot and pour water over the bones. Add the vinegar. Let sit for 20-30 minutes in the cool water. The acid helps make the nutrients in the bones more available.

Rough chop and add the vegetables to the pot. Add any salt, pepper, spices, or herbs, if using.

Now, bring the broth to a boil. Once it has reached a vigorous boil, reduce to a simmer and simmer until done, 24 hours is ideal for poultry broth.

During the first few hours of simmering, you’ll need to remove the impurities that float to the surface. A frothy/foamy layer will form and it can be easily scooped off with a big spoon.  Grass-fed and healthy animals will produce much less of this than conventional animals.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain using a fine metal strainer to remove all the bits of bone and vegetable. When cool enough, store in a gallon size glass jar in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for later use.