When it comes to gut health, bone broth is often touted as a superfood. Rich in collagen, protein, and minerals, this savory liquid can help heal and seal the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and even support joint health. But what makes bone broth so special? The answer lies in its unique composition. By simmering animal bones – typically beef, chicken, or pork – with vegetables, herbs, and spices, you create a nutrient-dense elixir that’s packed with goodness.
Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, ease digestive issues, or simply enjoy a comforting cup on a chilly day, bone broth is the perfect solution. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and varied recipes for bone broths, each featuring its own unique flavor profile and set of health benefits. From classic beef and chicken options to more adventurous lamb, turkey, and fish variations, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab your slow cooker or stockpot, and get ready to dive into the world of gut-healthy goodness!
Classic Beef Bone Broth with Garlic and Thyme
Soothe your soul with this comforting and nutritious broth, simmered to perfection with tender beef bones, aromatic garlic, and fragrant thyme. Perfect for a cozy evening or as a base for soups and stews.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef marrow bones (preferably grass-fed)
– 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 4 quarts water
– 2 carrots, chopped (optional)
– 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the beef bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until browned.
2. In a large pot, combine the roasted bones, garlic, thyme, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-24 hours, or overnight.
3. If desired, add chopped carrots and celery during the last hour of cooking.
4. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or container. Discard the solids.
5. Refrigerate or freeze the broth for later use.
Cooking Time: 12-24 hours (depending on desired strength and clarity)
Chicken Bone Broth with Turmeric and Ginger
This comforting recipe combines the nourishing benefits of chicken bone broth with the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and ginger, making it an excellent addition to any wellness routine.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken bones (necks, backs, or wings)
– 4 cups water
– 1 onion, quartered
– 3 cloves garlic, smashed
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
– 1 tsp ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place chicken bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. In a large pot, combine roasted bones, water, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 6-8 hours, or overnight.
5. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or container. Discard solids.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Slow-Cooked Pork Bone Broth with Apple Cider Vinegar
Elevate your cooking game with this easy-to-make, slow-cooked pork bone broth infused with the tanginess of apple cider vinegar. Perfect for soups, stews, or as a base for other recipes.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork bones (neck bones or rib bones work well)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 4 cups water
– 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. Place pork bones, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and water. Pour mixture over the pork bones.
4. Add thyme and stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 24-48 hours or high for 12-16 hours.
6. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pot or container. Discard solids.
Cooking Time: 24-48 hours (low) or 12-16 hours (high)
Lamb Bone Broth with Rosemary and Bay Leaves
Nourishing and flavorful, this lamb bone broth is a perfect comfort food on a chilly day. Rich in collagen and gelatin, it’s also an excellent way to reuse leftover bones.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs lamb bones (necks, backs, or shanks)
– 4 cups water
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 onion, roughly chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the lamb bones for 30 minutes to enhance their flavor.
3. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine roasted bones, water, rosemary, bay leaves, and onion.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 6-8 hours, or overnight.
5. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or container. Discard solids.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Turkey Bone Broth with Sage and Black Pepper
Nourish your body with this rich and savory broth, perfect for a comforting meal or as a base for soups and stews.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs turkey bones (neck, back, and wings)
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 2 sprigs fresh sage
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place turkey bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. In a large pot, combine roasted bones, water, apple cider vinegar, sage sprigs, and black pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 12-14 hours, or overnight.
5. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard solids and season with salt to taste (if desired).
6. Refrigerate or freeze the broth for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: 12-14 hours
Fish Bone Broth with Lemongrass and Lime
This recipe combines the nutritional benefits of fish bone broth with the invigorating flavors of lemongrass and lime, creating a refreshing and rejuvenating beverage.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fish bones (any white fish works well)
– 4 cups water
– 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fish bones on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
2. In a large pot, combine the roasted fish bones, water, lemongrass, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the broth has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together.
4. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or container. Discard solids and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional lemongrass if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Vegetable-Infused Bone Broth with Parsley and Celery
This recipe combines the rich flavors of bone broth with the added benefits of sautéed vegetables, making it a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. Perfect for a quick snack or as a base for soups and sauces.
Ingredients:
– 4 lbs beef bones (knuckle or neck bones)
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 quart of water
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the beef bones for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté the chopped carrots, celery, and garlic in a little bit of oil until tender.
4. Add the roasted bones, parsley, vinegar, and water to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 hours or overnight.
6. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard solids.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Spicy Bone Broth with Chili and Cumin
This Spicy Bone Broth with Chili and Cumin is a flavorful and nutritious drink that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and spices in a rich broth that’s packed with protein and collagen.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken bones (necks or backs)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 cups water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the chicken bones in the oven for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, combine the roasted bones, chopped onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, and cumin.
4. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 hours or overnight.
6. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard the solids.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Herbal Bone Broth with Dandelion Root and Nettle
Rich in nutrients and packed with herbal benefits, this bone broth is a perfect way to nourish your body. This recipe combines the natural goodness of dandelion root and nettle with the collagen-rich properties of bones.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef or chicken bones (preferably organic)
– 1/4 cup dried dandelion root
– 1/4 cup fresh nettle leaves
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the bones for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, combine roasted bones, dandelion root, nettle leaves, carrots, celery, and garlic.
4. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 12-24 hours (depending on desired broth strength).
6. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth and discard solids.
Cooking Time: 12-24 hours
Asian-Inspired Bone Broth with Star Anise and Cinnamon
This aromatic broth combines the richness of bones with the comforting warmth of star anise and cinnamon, perfect for a chilly day or as a soothing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef or chicken bones (preferably a mix of both)
– 4 cups water
– 2 whole star anise pods
– 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches long)
– 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the bones for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
2. In a large pot, combine roasted bones, water, star anise pods, cinnamon stick, and garlic.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 24 hours, or overnight.
4. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard solids.
5. Add soy sauce (if using) and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 24 hours
Bone Broth Ramen with Soft-Boiled Eggs and Scallions
Warm up with this nourishing and flavorful ramen dish, featuring a rich bone broth, soft-boiled eggs, and crunchy scallions.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups Bone Broth (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 package Ramen Noodles
– 2 large Eggs
– 1/4 cup Scallions, thinly sliced
– Salt and Pepper to taste
– Optional: Sliced pork or chicken for added protein
Instructions:
1. Bring the bone broth to a simmer.
2. Cook the Ramen Noodles according to package instructions.
3. Soft-boil the eggs by placing them in a pot of boiling water for 6-7 minutes, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to stop cooking.
4. Slice the scallions and set aside.
5. Combine the cooked noodles and bone broth in a bowl.
6. Top with sliced scallions, soft-boiled eggs, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add cooked pork or chicken if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Bone Broth: 30 minutes to overnight (depending on method)
– Ramen Noodles: 2-3 minutes
– Soft-boiled Eggs: 6-7 minutes
Bone Broth Pho with Rice Noodles and Basil
Experience the comforting warmth of a traditional Vietnamese pho with the added benefits of bone broth, all wrapped up in fragrant rice noodles and fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups beef bone broth
– 1/2 pound beef bones (osso buco or short ribs)
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine beef bones, fish sauce, soy sauce, and ginger. Pour in bone broth and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the broth is rich and flavorful.
3. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into bowls. Add sliced onion, garlic, and chopped basil.
5. Serve pho with cooked rice noodles, garnished with additional basil leaves and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Golden Bone Broth with Carrots and Onions
This recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to make a nutrient-rich bone broth, perfect for a cozy night in or as a base for soups and stews.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef bones (such as marrow bones or knuckle bones)
– 4 carrots, chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the beef bones in the oven for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. In a large pot, combine the roasted bones, chopped carrots and onions, water, apple cider vinegar, and thyme.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 12-24 hours.
5. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot or container. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time: 12-24 hours
Bone Broth Soup with Mushrooms and Leeks
This hearty soup is a perfect comfort food, packed with nutritious bone broth, earthy mushrooms, and sweet leeks. It’s a delicious and easy meal to make for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef or chicken bones
– 2 medium leeks, chopped (white and light green parts only)
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 4 cups bone broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the leeks in a little oil until caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté the mushrooms in olive oil until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the roasted leeks, bone broth, and thyme to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Bone Broth Stew with Root Vegetables and Herbs
This nourishing stew is a perfect comfort food dish, packed with the goodness of bone broth, root vegetables, and fresh herbs. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe as a warm and satisfying meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef bones (marrow or knuckle)
– 4 cups bone broth
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the beef bones in a single layer on a baking sheet for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, combine roasted bones, bone broth, onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, sweet potato, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bone Broth Risotto with Parmesan and Peas
This comforting risotto recipe combines the rich flavors of bone broth, savory Parmesan cheese, and sweet peas for a satisfying meal. With minimal prep time and easy cooking instructions, you’ll be enjoying this creamy delight in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups bone broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat with oil and mix with onion mixture.
5. Gradually add warmed bone broth, stirring constantly and allowing each portion to absorb before adding more.
6. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, when the rice is tender and creamy, remove from heat.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and peas until melted and well combined.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bone Broth Hot Pot with Tofu and Bok Choy
This nourishing hot pot recipe combines the comforting warmth of bone broth with the tender flavor of pan-fried tofu and crisp bok choy. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or a quick lunch, this dish is packed with nutrients and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups bone broth
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized cubes
– 2 bunches bok choy, cleaned and separated into leaves and stems
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Noodles or rice for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the bone broth in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Pan-fry the tofu cubes in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Add the bok choy leaves and stems to the pan, stirring occasionally until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the tofu cubes to the pot with the bone broth and add soy sauce (if using). Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot over noodles or rice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bone Broth Sipping Tea with Lemon and Honey
This soothing tea combines the nourishing benefits of bone broth with a hint of citrus and sweetness, perfect for a calming and rejuvenating drink. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy beverage to enjoy any time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bone broth (chilled or at room temperature)
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine the chilled or room temperature bone broth and lemon juice.
2. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to drink as soon as you combine the ingredients.
Enjoy your soothing Bone Broth Sipping Tea with Lemon and Honey, perfect for a relaxing pick-me-up any time of day.
Summary
Discover the power of bone broth for gut health! This collection of 18 recipes showcases the versatility of bone broth, from classic beef and chicken broths to more adventurous options like lamb, turkey, fish, and even vegetable-infused versions. Spicy, herbal, and Asian-inspired flavors are also represented. From soups and stews to risottos and hot pots, these recipes offer a range of ways to enjoy the nutritional benefits of bone broth. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a healthy beverage, there’s something on this list for everyone.