How to Make Nutritious Bone Broth in a Slow Cooker: Simple Steps for a Healthy Recipe
How to Make Bone Broth Slow Cooker?
To make bone broth in a slow cooker, start by placing bones in a slow cooker with water.
Add vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, along with herbs like thyme or parsley.
Cook on low heat for 12-24 hours.
Once cooked, remove the bones using a colander over a bowl and return any broth to the slow cooker.
Strain the liquid through a fine sieve to remove any solids.
Taste the broth and season if necessary.
Allow the broth to cool and remove any fat that forms on the top.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or transfer to freezer bags once cooled.
Key Points:
- Place bones and water in a slow cooker
- Add vegetables, herbs, and seasonings
- Cook on low heat for 12-24 hours
- Strain the broth to remove solids
- Taste and season if needed
- Remove any fat that forms on the top and store in fridge or freezer
Did You Know?
1. In ancient Chinese medicine, bone broth made in a slow cooker was believed to enhance kidney health and improve overall vitality.
2. Bone broth made in a slow cooker contains essential amino acids like proline and glycine, which help support healthy digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut.
3. Did you know that slow cooking bone broth can actually increase the bioavailability of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, making them easier for our bodies to absorb?
4. The collagen found in bone broth made in a slow cooker has been found to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails, as well as support joint health and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
5. Slow-cooked bone broth can be a great source of nutrients for athletes and individuals recovering from injuries, as it contains amino acids and minerals that support tissue repair and help reduce inflammation.
Slow Cooker Steps:
Making bone broth in a slow cooker is a straightforward and convenient process. Here are the steps to follow:
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First, gather your bones of choice, whether they be beef or chicken bones. You can use leftover bones from a roast or purchase them from a butcher. Place the bones in the slow cooker and cover them with water until they are completely submerged.
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Next, add your selection of vegetables and herbs to the slow cooker. Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic are commonly used, but you can also experiment with other vegetables like leeks or mushrooms. These vegetables will add flavor to your broth and enhance its nutritional profile.
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Now, set your slow cooker to low heat and let the broth simmer for 12-24 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors and nutrients from the bones and vegetables to infuse into the broth. The low heat also ensures that the broth remains clear and flavorful.
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After the cooking time is complete, place a colander or fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl to strain out the bones and vegetables. This step ensures a smooth and clear broth without any unwanted bits. You can also save any broth that collects in the bowl once the bones are removed and add it back into the slow cooker for maximum flavor.
Straining And Seasoning:
To improve the bone broth:
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Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining sediment and achieve a clean and clear broth.
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Taste the broth and season it according to your preference. You can enhance the flavor by adding kosher salt, black pepper, or any other desired herbs and spices.
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By adjusting the seasoning, you can personalize the flavor of your bone broth to suit your tastes.
“Enhance the flavor of your bone broth by adjusting the seasoning to suit your tastes.”
Cooling And Storing:
Allow the bone broth to cool to room temperature before storing it. Place it in the refrigerator and keep it for up to three days. Alternatively, you can transfer the cooled bone broth into freezer bags. Freezing the broth is an excellent way to prolong its shelf life for several months.
Recipe Ingredients:
To make your bone broth in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- Beef or chicken bones (enough to fill approximately 3/4 of the slow cooker)
- Water (enough to completely cover the bones)
- Carrots, celery, onions, garlic, or any other vegetables of choice
- Kosher salt
- Apple cider vinegar
Cooking And Straining Tips:
To ensure the best results when making bone broth in a slow cooker, consider the following tips:
- Cooking Time: Aim for an ideal cooking time of 18 to 72 hours. The longer the broth simmers, the more flavorful and nutritious it will be.
- Enhancements: Boost the nutritional value of your broth by adding vegetable scraps and rinsed, crushed eggshells to the slow cooker. However, remember to strain them out before consuming the broth.
- Straining Process: When straining the broth, use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to achieve a clear and smooth consistency.
- Fat Removal: During the cooling process, a layer of fat may form on the surface of the broth. Use a spoon to remove and discard this fat layer. This step helps reduce the overall fat content of the broth.
Nutritional Information:
Bone broth is a highly nutritious and low-calorie option. A serving of 8 ounces of bone broth contains approximately 50 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates. The sodium content is around 37mg per serving. The precise nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the cooking time.
Making bone broth in a slow cooker is a simple and rewarding process. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a nutritious and flavorful broth that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for various recipes. Experiment with different ingredients and cooking times to find your perfect bone broth recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is slow cooked bone broth good for you?
Slow cooked bone broth is indeed good for you due to its highly nutritious composition. As bones are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous, incorporating them into your diet through bone broth can provide these nutrients to support overall health. Additionally, the process of slow cooking connective tissue into the broth also releases natural compounds found in cartilage, further enhancing its nutritional value. Moreover, bone broth contains collagen, a vital protein that contributes to various aspects of bodily health.
Is it better to slow cook bone broth or pressure cook?
Both slow cooking and pressure cooking have their own advantages when it comes to making bone broth. Slow cooking allows for a longer cooking time, which can result in a richer and more flavorful broth. On the other hand, pressure cooking significantly reduces the cooking time, making it a more time-efficient option for those who are pressed for time but still want the benefits of bone broth. Ultimately, the choice between the two methods depends on your personal preferences and the amount of time you have available.
What are the best bones for bone broth?
When it comes to beef bone broth, the most optimal bones to use are those from grass-fed beef. To create a flavorful and nutritious broth, it is preferable to choose meaty bones that contain a significant amount of tissue, cartilage, or marrow. Ideal options for beef bone broth include oxtail, shanks, and knuckles, as they offer a rich source of collagen and produce a deeply satisfying flavor.
For pork bone broth, ribs and neck bones are excellent choices that contribute to a delicious broth. Additionally, including cartilage-rich pig’s feet can enhance the nutritional content and flavor of the broth. These bones provide a good source of gelatin, which adds body and depth to the final broth, resulting in a savory and satisfying pork bone broth.
How many hours should I boil bone broth?
To achieve the desired flavor and collagen extraction, it is recommended to boil bone broth for approximately 10-12 hours. During this time, the broth should be reduced by 1/3 to 1/2, resulting in a final volume of 6-8 cups. This extended cooking period enhances the intensity of the flavor, producing a rich and satisfying broth. Once cooked, strain and either use immediately or store for later use.