Millennials aren't necessarily known for being resourceful, but it's an attribute I've always had. Creating something useful with what would have otherwise been thrown away gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment. (I'm currently working on making a DIY rose oil from dried rose petals, because I couldn't stand to see a beautiful bouquet go to waste. Crossing my fingers that it works!)
So naturally, when I discovered how easy it is to make bone broth, it was love at first sip! All the chicken bones and veggie scraps that I would have normally thrown out are the perfect ingredients for bone broth - one of the most nutritious natural supplements for your body.
What makes it so nutritious? Here are seven benefits of adding bone broth to your diet.
1. Nutrient density. Bone broth is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids - drinking it is like taking an all-natural multivitamin. And because it's so nutrient-dense, it acts as a natural immune-booster, making it the perfect solution when you're under the weather.
2. Joint Health. Connective tissues contain collagen. When the collagen from cartilage is cooked, it breaks down to create gelatin, which can reduce joint pain and swelling and aid joint movement.
3. Hair, Skin, & Nails. Collagen strengthens skin elasticity, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and cellulite. It also strengthens nails and hair follicles, which can help you grow out your locks and prevent brittleness.
4. Gut Health. Bone broth can reduce inflammation and is easy to digest. And for those suffering with leaky gut or food sensitivities, the gelatin in bone broth can help repair the gut lining and aids in the growth of probiotics.
5. Satiety. Bone broth is a super food that is both low in calories and rich in protein. Adding it as a supplement to your diet can make you feel fuller longer without adding much to your calorie intake. Those who intermittent fast often use bone broth to hold them over until their eating window begins.
6. Cheap & Resourceful. Since I started making my own bone broth, I always have some on hand - I never think to buy it at the grocery store anymore! This recipe for bone broth uses the scraps of basic kitchen staples like the ends & leaves of celery and (most importantly) bones from chicken. When I'm making chicken, I usually save the bones in a gallon-sized bag in the freezer until I've got enough to make broth.
7. Versatility. Do you know how many recipes call for chicken broth? Even if you're not into drinking it plain, you can incorporate it into your diet by using it in place of plain chicken broth or stock. You'll be amazed how often you use it, and you'll be glad you always have a jar on hand!
Pressure Cooker Bone Broth Recipe
Ready to try making your own broth? It's easy, and with the magic of the Instant Pot, it's done in just a few hours.
Ingredients
- Bones from 1-2 chickens (depending on size)
- One onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, halved
- 2 cups celery ends & leaves
- 4 cloves of garlic, pressed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1-2 tsp salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp whole peppercorns
- 1 tsp parsley
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 1 tsp rosemary leaves
- 1/2 tsp ground sage
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- water, to fill
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in pressure cooker.
- Fill pot with water to cover all the ingredients.
- Set pressure cooker to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting and adjust cook time to two hours. Make sure "Keep Warm" setting is off.
- When broth is finished cooking, allow pressure to naturally release.
- Pour broth into glass jars and allow to cool before refrigerating. (You may also choose to freeze broth in freezer bags, but I find that storing in jars is less messy.)
- Enjoy & reap the benefits!
Love this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
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