Imagine a single recipe that can transform your health, warm your soul, and tantalize your taste buds - all with minimal effort! Our Easy Crockpot Bone Broth is not just a recipe; it's a nutritional powerhouse that will revolutionize your kitchen and wellness routine. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a home cook looking to elevate your culinary skills, or someone seeking a delicious way to boost your immune system, this bone broth will become your new secret weapon.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 24 hrs
Total Time: 24 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 cups
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bones (beef, chicken, or pork)
- 4 quarts water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Optional herbs (parsley, thyme)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure your crockpot is clean and ready for use.
- Place the bones in the crockpot, selecting either beef, chicken, or pork bones depending on your preference. If using raw bones, you can optionally roast them in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the crockpot, creating a flavor base for the bone broth.
- Pour apple cider vinegar over the bones and vegetables. The acid helps extract minerals and nutrients from the bones more effectively.
- Slowly add water, ensuring all ingredients are covered but leaving about an inch of space at the top of the crockpot to prevent overflow.
- Sprinkle salt to taste and add optional herbs like parsley or thyme for additional depth of flavor.
- Set the crockpot to low heat and cover with the lid. Allow the broth to simmer slowly for 24 hours, which helps break down connective tissues and extract maximum nutrients.
- After 24 hours, turn off the crockpot and let the broth cool slightly.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove bones and vegetable pieces.
- Transfer the strained broth to storage containers. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
- Skim off any fat that rises to the top once chilled. The broth can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Bones: Opt for grass-fed beef, organic chicken, or pasture-raised pork bones for maximum nutritional benefits and richer flavor.
- Roasting Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, consider roasting your bones in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes before adding them to the crockpot.
- Vinegar Matters: Use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to help extract more minerals from the bones.
- Don't Rush the Process: The 24-hour slow cooking is crucial for breaking down connective tissues and releasing nutrients.
- Storage Hack: Freeze bone broth in silicone ice cube trays for easy portioning and quick use in future recipes.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary and thyme, or add garlic for extra complexity.
- Skimming Tip: For a clearer broth, skim off any foam that rises to the top during the first few hours of cooking.
- Nutritional Boost: Consider adding a piece of kombu seaweed during cooking to increase mineral content.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg