Did you know that Bone broth has been highly regarded and enjoyed for millenia? This nutrient dense liquid draws all of the good things from animal bones, including keratin and collagen, acting as a support to digestive health and strengthening the kidneys. What’s more, it tastes delicious, works beautifully as a base to soups, stews and more, or can simply be delighted in as a comforting beverage.
Ingredients
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1 chicken carcass
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Handful of chicken necks, feet (if you can get them)
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1 carrot
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1 onion
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2 cloves garlic
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2 stick celery
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Bay leaf
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Small handful of peppercorns
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Small bunch of thyme or rosemary or parsley (or all three)
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A couple of pinches of good quality salt
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Method
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In a large pot, add all of your ingredients and cover with plenty of cold water
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Bring to the boil and lower to a simmer
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Cover and allow to simmer for up to 24 hours (or longer if you have the patience)
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Cool and strain and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days – it also freezes well
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Notes: you can also add mushrooms if you have some hanging around or fennel. When cooking, save your veg ends in the freezer in a freezer bag until you have collected enough to make broth with.
Nutritional notes from our experts, Alice Mackintosh & Sue Camp
Bone broth is an ancient food made originally to use every part of the animal, that were otherwise hard to digest. Simmering these animal parts allows the time to extract a number of beneficial compounds, amino acids (protein building blocks) vitamins and minerals that your body can easily absorb.
Best of all it’s cheap and easy to make!
Here are some of the benefits
Chicken broth includes glutamine, found in gelatin, which can help heal the mucosal layer in your gut and aid in the digestion of nutrients.
Collagen helps form connective tissue in the body and can be beneficial for joint health. It can also help support hair and nail growth.
Glycine is anti-inflammatory and can help your body detox.
Proline is part of the collagen production and can help with skin elasticity.
Minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorous can help with bones grow and repair.
Bone broth is low in calories, but can increase fullness and satisfy hunger.
It’s a great way to stay hydrated and we all know, just good for the soul!
