In the world of wellness, few things have stood the test of time like bone broth. This ancient elixir, cherished for centuries across cultures, is making a powerful comeback, and for good reason. Packed with gut-healing nutrients, it’s more than just a comforting soup base; it’s a foundational food for digestive health. If you’ve been curious about the buzz surrounding this liquid gold, you’ve come to the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating a delicious and potent gut-healing bone broth recipe right in your own kitchen using a slow cooker.

What is Bone Broth and Why is it Good for Your Gut?

Bone broth is a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. Unlike traditional stock or broth, which are simmered for a shorter time, this long, slow cooking process extracts a wealth of beneficial compounds, including collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals. These components are the key to its gut-healing reputation.

The lining of our digestive tract can become compromised due to factors like stress, poor diet, and inflammation, a condition often referred to as “leaky gut.” The gelatin in bone broth helps to seal the intestinal lining, while amino acids like glutamine and glycine work to repair and reduce inflammation. For a deeper dive into the science behind gut health, check out our post on How to Improve Gut Health.

Ingredients for the Perfect Gut-Healing Bone Broth

• 3-4 lbs of high-quality animal bones (beef, chicken, or a mix)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• Filtered water
• Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or thyme

For the best results, we recommend using bones from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals. You can often find these at your local butcher or farmers’ market. A high-quality slow cooker is also essential for this recipe. If you’re in the market for one, here is a product to a model we love.

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Bone Broth Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12-24 hours
Servings: 12 cups
Difficulty: Easy

1. Roast the Bones (Optional but Recommended): For a richer flavor, roast the bones on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the roasted bones, vegetables, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves in the slow cooker. Add the apple cider vinegar, which helps to extract the minerals from the bones.
3. Add Water: Fill the slow cooker with filtered water, ensuring the bones and vegetables are fully submerged. Leave about an inch of space at the top.
4. Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and let it simmer for at least 12 hours for chicken bones and 24 hours for beef bones. The longer it simmers, the more nutrient-dense it will be.
5. Strain the Broth: Once the simmering is complete, turn off the slow cooker and let the broth cool slightly. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the bones and vegetables. For an even clearer broth, you can strain it a second time through a cheesecloth.
6. Cool and Store: Let the broth cool to room temperature before transferring it to glass jars for storage. For more tips on food preservation, see our guide.

Tips and Variations for Your Bone Broth

• For a gel-like consistency: Use a higher ratio of joint bones (like chicken feet or beef knuckles) as they are rich in collagen.
• Add a flavor boost: Include turmeric, ginger, or medicinal mushrooms for added anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Stovetop method: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make bone broth on the stovetop in a large stockpot. Simply bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for the same amount of time.

How to Store and Use Your Homemade Bone Broth

Your homemade bone broth can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. You can enjoy a warm cup on its own, use it as a base for soups and stews, or even use it to cook grains like rice and quinoa for added flavor and nutrients.

Nutritional Information

While the exact nutritional content will vary depending on the bones and ingredients used, a typical cup of bone broth is low in calories but rich in protein, collagen, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does bone broth last in the fridge?
Bone broth will last for about 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Can I make bone broth on the stovetop?
Yes, you can. Follow the same steps but use a large stockpot and simmer on low heat.

What’s the difference between bone broth and stock?
Bone broth is simmered for a much longer period than stock, which results in a more nutrient-dense and collagen-rich liquid.

Is it normal for my bone broth to be gelatinous?
Yes, a gel-like consistency is a sign of a high-quality, collagen-rich broth.

Can I reuse the bones?
While you can reuse bones for a second batch, it will be less flavorful and nutrient-dense than the first.

Conclusion

Making your own gut-healing bone broth is a simple and rewarding process. By following this slow cooker bone broth recipe, you can create a delicious and nourishing elixir that will support your digestive health and overall well-being. For more recipes and wellness tips, explore our other articles like this post.