Chicken soup really does heal the soul, at least for me, it does! It’s more than just a bowl of comfort; it’s a connection to my past, to my grandmothers, and to the wisdom of the kitchen.
The Magic of Bone Broth: A Tradition Passed Down
I was lucky to grow up with grandmothers who gardened, cooked, and nourished their families with food made from scratch. There were no quick stops at McDonald’s for dinner, no prepackaged meals from the gas station. Everything was grown, harvested, and created with love in their kitchens. Looking back, I think they were kitchen witches in the best possible way, using their knowledge of food to nourish both body and soul. I’m proud to carry on that tradition.
The Healing Power of Bone Broth
When we were sick as kids, there was no Campbell’s or Mrs. Grass soup with that strange, fat-filled “golden egg” (which, by the way, was discontinued in 2016 to make the product “better”… or just saltier, if you ask me). Instead, we had real chicken soup—homemade, rich, and slow-simmered to perfection.
The bone broth I remember was made from chicken backs, legs, and wings, simmered with onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bay leaves. This broth wasn’t just food, it was medicine. Thick and gelatinous when cooled, it was packed with collagen, amino acids, and electrolytes that worked wonders for the body. And let’s be honest, nothing tasted better when you were curled up under a blanket feeling under the weather.
Why Bone Broth is So Good for You ?
I didn’t know all the health benefits of bone broth when I was a kid, I just knew it was delicious. But now, I understand why my grandmothers insisted we eat it when we were sick.
- Supports Joint Health – The gelatin in bone broth breaks down into collagen, which helps with joint pain, stiffness, and overall mobility.
- Improves Gut Health – Amino acids like glutamine and arginine help reduce inflammation and support digestive function.
- Aids Sleep & Relaxation – Bone broth contains glycine, an amino acid that promotes better sleep and helps you feel more rested in the morning.
- Nourishes Skin, Hair, and Nails – The collagen and nutrients in bone broth support healthy skin and strengthen hair and nails.
- Helps Build Muscle & Manage Weight – Bone broth is high in protein but low in calories, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
- Boosts Electrolytes – Natural electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium support bone density, heart health, and digestion.
I make bone broth regularly now—not just for when I’m sick, but as an everyday health boost. It’s a staple in my kitchen, something I always have on hand to sip on or to use as a base for soups and stews.
My Homemade Bone Broth Recipe
Want to try making your own? Here’s the simple, time-honored recipe I use.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 pounds of chicken (necks, wings, legs, or backs) (organic if possible)
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 6 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract nutrients from bones)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- 5 sprigs fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken parts on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and roast for 30-45 minutes. (If they’re not fully cooked, no worries—they’ll finish cooking in the broth.)
- While the chicken is roasting, prep the veggies.
- Add the roasted chicken and vegetables to a large stockpot, then pour in enough water to fully cover them.
- Add the vinegar, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for at least 8 hours (or up to 24 hours for a richer broth). Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
- Strain the broth, discarding the solids. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips for the Best Bone Broth
- Take it slow. Rapid boiling won’t extract all the nutrients—low and slow is the way to go.
- Don’t worry if it thickens. If your broth turns to gel when cooled, that means it’s packed with good-for-you collagen! It will thin out again when warmed.
- Use organic bones if possible. They produce less scum and are free from harmful chemicals.
- Save bones from other meals. If you roast a chicken or cook bone-in cuts of meat, save the bones in a freezer bag and toss them in your broth later.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
Bone broth is more than just a nourishing food—it’s a tradition, a connection to the past, and a simple way to care for ourselves and our families. I may not have my grandmothers’ exact touch, but every time I sip a warm cup of homemade broth, I feel closer to them and the wisdom they passed down.
So, the next time you’re feeling run down or just want a little extra nourishment, try making a batch of bone broth. Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you.
Bone broth isn’t just great for us, it’s also a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet! Packed with nutrients that support joint health, digestion, and immunity, it’s an easy way to give your pup an extra boost. Check out my Joan of Bark blog for a simple, dog-friendly bone broth recipe!
