This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to make two types of bone broth at home – savoury and sweet.. We love to cook for longevity and bone broth is one of our absolute favorites. Most people think of savory bone broth – perfect for soups, stews and sauces. But have you ever tried a “sweet” bone broth? It is not actually sweet, but it is a more neutral version that works well in drinks like matcha, lattes or even hot chocolate. Let me share why we are such a fan and how you can easily make it a part of your everyday routine.
What is bone broth and why should you try it?
Bone broth is a traditional food that has been cherished for centuries across cultures. Made by simmering animal bones (like chicken, beef, or fish) with water, vegetables and herbs, this nourishing broth is packed with collagen, amino acids and minerals. It is known for its ability to support gut health, strengthen joints, boost immunity and promote glowing skin. If you are looking for a simple, wholesome way to improve your health, bone broth is a must-try.
Health benefits of bone broth
Drinking bone broth regularly can provide several health benefits:
✔️ Gut health – Rich in gelatin and collagen, it helps repair the gut lining and supports digestion. A 2021 study published in Foods found that bone broth significantly reduced gut inflammation, suggesting its potential to support a healthier digestive system.
✔️ Rich in amino acids – Provides essential amino acids like glycine, proline and glutamine, that help support immune function, gut health and collagen production.
✔️ Electrolyte balance – Contains key electrolytes like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which help maintain hydration, muscle function and overall health.
✔️ Joint support – Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help maintain healthy joints.
✔️ Immunity boost – Packed with minerals like zinc and magnesium that strengthen the immune system.
✔️ Skin health – Collagen promotes elasticity and reduces signs of aging.
✔️ Detoxification – Supports liver function and helps remove toxins from the body.
Ingredients you’ll need
There is no strict recipe for bone broth. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have and your personal preferences. Here is a general guide to get you started:
Savoury bone broth
Bones – Use about 2-3 pounds (1 to 1.5 kg) of chicken, beef, or fish bones. Organic or pasture-raised is ideal, but any bones will work.
Water – Add enough filtered water around 20-25cups or (5-7 litre) to fully cover the bones.
Acid – A couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The acidity helps extract nutrients from the bones.
Vegetables – Toss in roughly chopped onions, carrots, and celery (about 1-2 onions, 1-2 carrots, and 2-3 celery stalks).
Aromatics – Garlic (3-4 cloves), bay leaves (1-2), a few peppercorns, and sea salt (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste).
Optional additions – Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
Tip: For the richest, most nutrient-packed broth, use a mix of bones like knuckles, marrow bone and chicken feet (they are especially great for collagen). You can also add egg shells for an extra dose of calcium.
Step-by-step guide to making bone broth
Step 1: Prepare the bones
- If using raw bones, roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavor. But roasting is optiona. You can simply use the bones raw if you prefer.
- If using leftover bones (e.g., from a roast), skip roasting.
Step 2: Add bones and vegetables to the pot
- Place the bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker.
- Add the chopped vegetables, bay leaves, and any optional herbs.
- Throw in the garlic during the last 2 hours of cooking, as it can get bitter if cooked for too long.
Step 3: Add water and apple cider vinegar
- Pour in enough filtered water to cover the bones completely.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, which helps draw out minerals from the bones.
Step 4: Simmer the broth
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- For chicken bones, simmer for 12-24 hours. For beef or pork bones, simmer for 24-48 hours. In a pressure cooker, cook for about 2-3 hours.
- Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of cooking.
Step 5: Strain and store
- Once the broth is done, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids.
- Let it cool, then transfer it to glass jars or containers.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
“Sweet” bone broth
This sweet bone broth is the perfect base for warm, comforting drinks like matcha lattes, hot chocolate or even a cozy sip on its own. Here is how to make it:
2.2 lbs (1 kg) of beef marrow bones or other raw (unroasted) bones
1 orange
2 apples, cored (without seeds) and chopped into quarters
2 cinnamon sticks
1 whole nutmeg
10 cardamom pods
2 tsp Himalayan sea salt
1.5 tsp cloves
2 star anise
2 chicken feet (optional, for extra collagen)
2 tbsp vinegar
Optional: little bit of fresh turmeric or ginger
Add all the ingredients to a pot with enough water to cover them. Simmer for 24 hours, or cook in a pressure cooker for 3 hours. Feel free to experiment. Broth is very forgiving! You can add different herbs, spices or extra veggies to suit your taste.
Personal tip: make it gourmet
One of my favorite ways to enjoy bone broth is by sipping it warm in a mug with a pinch of sea salt and a dash of turmeric. It is like a cozy, healing hug in a cup! I also like to make green latte.
Add herbs and aromatics
You can make your bone broth taste better by heating it with herbs like garlic, rosemary, thyme, or lemongrass. It smells amazing and adds extra health benefits too.
Add mushrooms
Try simmering your broth with dried mushrooms like Shiitake or Reishi. They are great for your immune system and give the broth a deep, earthy flavor.
Make it spicy
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes or cayenne pepper. It gives the broth a nice kick and warms you up.
Common questions about bone broth
1. Why is my bone broth gelatinous?
- This is a good sign! It means your broth is rich in collagen, which turns into gelatin when cooled.
2. How long does bone broth last?
- In the fridge, it lasts up to 5 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 6 months.
3. Can I make bone broth in an Instant Pot?
- Yes! Cook on high pressure for 2-3 hours for chicken bones or 3-4 hours for beef bones.
4. Is bone broth high in sodium?
- It depends on how much salt you add. Use sea salt sparingly and adjust to taste.
Final thoughts – how to make a bone broth
Bone broth is a simple, nourishing food that supports overall health and wellness. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can make this healing elixir at home. Whether you sip it straight or use it in recipes, bone broth is a versatile addition to your kitchen. Learning how to make bone broth at home gives you full control over the ingredients, so you can avoid the preservatives and extra additives often found in store-bought versions. Homemade bone broth also has a richer taste and more nutrients, like collagen and amino acids, that are great for your body.
Did you notice that bone broth from the store is always liquid, but when you make it at home, it has a gelatinous texture? That is because homemade bone broth contains more collagen which gives it that thicker, richer feel. Making bone broth at home is a small effort that gives big rewards for your health. It is easy and the benefits are definitely worth it.
Have you tried making bone broth before? Share your experience in the comments! 👇
