Slow Cooker Bone Broth

Bone broth, I drink it almost weekly!! It’s such a nutrient-dense concoction, has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. It is rich in minerals, collagen, and amino acids, which can boost your immune system, improve digestion, and promote joint and skin health.

In this post, I will guide you through a simple yet effective recipe for making bone broth in your slow cooker. We’ll provide helpful tips, possible substitutions, and address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about making bone broth in your slow cooker.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of bones (beef or chicken)
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Enough water to cover the bones

Instructions:

1. Place the bones, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
2. Add the apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill the slow cooker with enough water to cover the bones.
4. Cover and cook on low for 24 hours.
5. After 24 hours, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pot. Discard the solids.
6. Allow the broth to cool, then store in the refrigerator. Before using, skim off any fat that has solidified on the top.

Recipe Tips

• Roasting the Bones: For a richer flavor, roast the bones in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Cooking Time: The longer you cook the broth, the more nutrient-dense it will be. Aim for at least 24 hours.
• Storing: Bone broth can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Substitutions

• Bones: You can use bones from different types of meat like beef, chicken, or even fish. You could also mix different types of bones.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like leeks, parsnips, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Vinegar: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice. The acidity helps to extract the nutrients from the bones.

FAQs

Q: Can I use any type of bones for making bone broth? A: Yes, you can use any type of bones, but marrow bones, knucklebones, and bones with lots of connective tissues work best as they give a gelatin-rich broth.

Q: How long can I store bone broth in the refrigerator? A: Bone broth can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Why do I need to add vinegar to the bone broth? A: Vinegar helps to draw out the minerals from the bones and into the broth.

Q: Is bone broth the same as regular broth or stock? A: No, bone broth is cooked much longer than regular broth or stock. This long cooking time allows for the nutrients in the bones to be fully extracted, resulting in a nutrient-dense broth.

Q: How can I make bone broth from a rotisserie chicken?

A: To make bone broth from a rotisserie chicken, place the chicken carcass, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, 1 quartered onion, 4 peeled cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, some fresh herbs (optional), salt and pepper into a slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the bones and cook on low for 12-24 hours. Once done, strain the broth through a sieve, discarding the solids. After cooling, you can skim off any fat. The broth can be stored in the refrigerator for a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Use it as a soup base or enjoy it as a nutritious drink.

Q: Is sam’s choice bone broth real bone broth

A: Yes, Sam’s Choice bone broth is considered real bone broth. It is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue. According to the product description, Sam’s Choice bone broth is USDA organic, gluten-free, and fat-free, making it a healthy choice. However, like any store-bought broth, it may not be as rich in nutrients as homemade bone broth, which is typically simmered for a longer period of time. Always check the label to ensure it meets your dietary needs and preferences.

Q: Can you mix chicken broth and beef broth?

A: Yes, you can mix chicken broth and beef broth. According to various sources like Ashcroft Family Table, Foods Guy, Ramblersf, and Julian Nayuri, mixing chicken and beef broth is not only safe but can also enhance the flavor of your dish. The savory yet neutral flavor profile of chicken broth makes it a good match with the robust taste of beef broth. Mixing these broths can result in a more complex flavor profile that can enrich soups, stews, and other dishes.

Making bone broth in your slow cooker is a simple and effective way to create a nutritious and healing elixir. Whether you’re drinking it for its health benefits or using it as a base for soups and stews, homemade bone broth is a valuable addition to any kitchen. Happy slow cooking!