Homemade Bone Broth for Soup and Gut Health
There is something so cozy about a simmering pot of bone broth on the stove. It fills the kitchen with warmth and a comforting aroma that feels like home. Bone broth is more than just a base for soups and stews. When made from scratch, it is rich in minerals and collagen that are gentle on the gut and supportive of overall wellness. Today I want to share how I make homemade bone broth and how it can be a nourishing daily ritual.
Why Bone Broth Is So Good for You
Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones in water for hours. This process extracts minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and releases collagen from connective tissue. Collagen helps support joint health, skin elasticity, and a healthy gut lining. If you struggle with digestion or want to give your gut some extra support, sipping warm bone broth can be a simple and soothing practice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 leftover chicken carcass, like after making Gut Healthy Roasted Chicken with Fresh Herbs and Turmeric or a mix of bones from beef, pork, or turkey
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Water to cover the bones
- Optional aromatics: onion, carrot, celery, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, fresh herbs
How to Make Bone Broth in the Instant Pot
- Place your bones in the Instant Pot.
- Add vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 20 minutes. This helps extract minerals and collagen. ( You don’t have to do this step but it does help make it more nutritious)
- Add in your vegetable scraps, herbs, and spices.
- Pour water over the bones and veggies/herbs. Enough to reach the “fill line” on your Instant Pot
- Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 2-4 hours. The longer you cook, the richer the broth. Sometimes when I am short on time, I will slow cook the broth for at least 24 hours. Then I can get to it the next day. I often make this immediately after we finish our roasted chicken dinner.
- Once done, carefully release the pressure and strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard solids.
- Let the broth cool. Skim off any fat if you prefer, then store in jars in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for later use.
Tips for a Rich, Gelatinous Broth
- Use bones with joints, knuckles, or skin, which are high in collagen.
- Let the broth cool completely. Gelatin forms as it chills.
- A splash of vinegar at the start always helps extract more nutrients.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
Bone broth is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Herb swap: Try thyme, rosemary, parsley, or sage for different flavor profiles.
- Add a boost: A small knob of fresh ginger, a clove of garlic, or a dash of turmeric adds warmth and extra wellness benefits.
- Richer broth: Use marrow bones or a mix of bones with joints and skin to increase collagen and depth of flavor.
- Veggie variations: Toss in leftover carrot, celery, onion, or even mushroom scraps for added nutrients and aroma.
Experiment and find the combination that feels most comforting to your kitchen and your taste buds.
How I Use Bone Broth
I like to sip a warm cup in the morning as a nourishing drink. It feels gentle on the stomach and gives a comforting start to the day. I also use it as the base for soups, stews, and even for cooking grains like rice or quinoa. It adds flavor and nutrients without any extra effort. You will want to use this as a base for all of our upcoming cozy soup recipes coming in this Savory Soup Sundays series (more on this below). You can use store bought but this one is convenient and very nutritious. You can also customize the salt content in this broth unlike the ones you find at the supermarket.
Use this homemade bone broth as the base in this cozy recipe for Easy Cheesy Potato Soup In the Instant Pot
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Once your bone broth is ready, keeping it on hand is simple and convenient. I usually let it cool completely, then store it in jars in the fridge for up to a week. If I’ve made a larger batch, I like to freeze some for later. Ice cube trays work perfectly for small portions, or you can use freezer bags for bigger batches. Don’t forget to label your containers with the date so you always know how fresh your broth is. Having it ready to go makes it easy to add nourishing flavor to soups, stews, or even grains whenever you need it.
Final Thoughts
Making your own bone broth is a small act that nourishes the body and comforts the soul. It is gentle on the gut, full of minerals, and perfect for warming up a chilly evening. Once you start keeping a pot simmering, you’ll find it becomes a quiet, nurturing ritual in your home.
If you give this bone broth a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Do you sip it as a cozy morning ritual, use it as the base for a hearty soup, or have your own combination of spices or veggies that gives it a little something extra? Share your thoughts and little kitchen rituals in the comments below because I would love to read them! And if you’re excited about soups, be sure to check back for all the upcoming recipes in our Savory Soup Sundays series. You’ll want to keep this broth on hand for every single one!
Until next time,
XO Bri
Homemade Bone Broth for Soup and Gut Health
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot Pressure Cooker (You may also cook in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or crock pot)
Ingredients
- 1 chicken carcass or other animal bones
- 1-2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice
- Water (to cover the ingredients)
Optional Add-In Ingredients
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Mushrooms
- Ginger
- Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Bay Leaves, etc)
Instructions
- Place the bones/carcass into the bottom on the instant pot, crock pot, or Dutch oven. Make sure to include the joint tissues and skin as these hold a lot of collagen which is very beneficial to your overall health and wellness.
- Add in your vegetables, herbs, spices, etc. I like to keep my vegetable scraps in the freezer to use when I make broth (even the peels) to cut down on waste.
- Add the water to cover all of the ingredients or to the "Max Fill" line in the Instant Pot.
- Place the lid on and lock in place. Close the pressure valve and set to HIGH PRESSURE for 2-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more nutritious it will be. If you are not using the pressure cook method, simply simmer on med/low on the stove or in your crock pot for 24 hours. I like to do this when I need to "set it and forget it" on busy days.
- After time is up, release the pressure valve and allow to cool for 1-2 hours before straining the broth and placing into a jar. Once in the jar, seal with the lid and place in the fridge to cool for about 4 hours. This should allow the fat to float to the top where you can scrape off before use.
Notes
Everything I use to make my nourishing bone broth, find them on Amazon.
Everything I use to make this nourishing homemade bone broth, including tools and essentials that make cooking easy, cozy, and delicious.
Coming Soon: Savory Soup Sundays
This bone broth is just the beginning! Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a new soup each Sunday in our Savory Soup Sundays series, hearty, nourishing, and perfect for cozying up at home. From creamy favorites to veggie-packed bowls, each recipe will use wholesome ingredients and, of course, this homemade bone broth as a base whenever it fits. I can’t wait to share these comforting soups with you and help make your week a little warmer, one bowl at a time.
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