The perfect for fasting, Keto snack or base for many other great dishes.
Bone broth is known for its healing properties and its anti-inflammatory properties.
This is a stable in our household, incredibly versatile, and used as a base for many other recipes, including soups, stews and savour mince.
This recipe can be changed slightly, depending on what veggies/herbs you have available.
My preferred herbs are thyme and oregano, as both these have a high oil content and are known for their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties (great for colds).
I love cooking this broth in the slower cooker, setting it and forgetting it. The broth slowly simmers away while you get on with more important things in life; when you come home, you are greeted with a delicious aroma.
Slow cooking increases the health benefits, as the herbs and spices slowly break down, releasing their beautiful essential oils; it is important to ensure the lid is used to ensure that these aren't lost with the stream.
10 Health Benefits of Bone Broth
1. Alleviates common colds and bronchitis
2. Boosts immunity
3. Reduces inflammation
4. Balances electrolytes
5. Strengths bones - good source of calcium
6. Improves Gut health - strengthening the gut mucus layer and reducing inflammation
7. Builds muscles
8. Improves skin
9. Improves mood and cognitive
10. High in essential amino acids incl, cystine, histidine, glycine and L-glutamine
Ingredients:
1 x Pack of Chicken Frame (1kg) - I love Bostock chickens because they are free-range, organically grown, and antibiotic-free.
1 x Onion - chopped
2 x Carrot, unpeeled and chopped
2 x Sticks of Celery or use the leaves and celery heart
1 x Head of Garlic - cut head across in half
2 x Roots of Turmeric- sliced
Fresh Ginger - A few slices
1 x Tbs - Peppercorns
1 x Tbs - Coriander Seeds
1 x Tbs - Fennel Seeds
A few Cardamom Pods (optional)
1 Tsp Celery Seeds (optional)
Large handfuls, including stalks of Fresh Herbs such as thyme, oregano and bay leaves
2 x Tbs of Apple cider vinegar - this helps extract the minerals from the bones
(I personally use Bostock Organic Apple Cider)
Other options you can add are a handful of cubes of sweet potatoes or pumpkin; this makes the broth slightly sweeter and more golden in colour. For an Asian style, add lemongrass and kaffa lime leaves.
Method:
Place the herbs in the bottom of the crock pot, then place the chicken frame on top, followed by all other ingredients; fill the crockpot with water, cover it, and cook it for 18 - 24 hours.
The broth will reduce little; You may find a layer of fat forms on the top, the essential vitamins and minerals are attracted to fat, so you may want to keep this.
How to Strain and Store Broth:
Once cooked, strain through a fine mesh sieve, extracting as much liquid as possible. (give it a good squeeze) Discard the solids. Cool strained stock to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate.
The following day, it may thicken; continue to store in the fridge for 3-5 days or transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Enjoy