Bone Broth

How to Make Bone Broth

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1. Heat the oven to 220°C / 425°F (200°C / 390°F fan). Spread the bones over a large roasting tin and roast for 45 minutes, turning once, until deeply browned.

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2. Transfer the bones to a very large stockpot, leaving the fat behind. Pour a little hot water into the tin, scrape up the browned bits and add the liquid to the pot.

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3. Add the vinegar, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns and parsley, then pour in enough cold water to cover everything by about 5 cm.

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4. Bring slowly to a boil, then skim off the grey foam that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting so that the liquid barely bubbles.

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5. Partly cover and simmer very gently for 12 hours, topping up with hot water whenever the bones are no longer covered.

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6. Strain the broth through a fine sieve into a large bowl and discard the bones and vegetables. Skim off any fat from the surface, and season with salt to taste.

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7. Cool, then pour into jars and store in the fridge. When it is cold, it should set to a jelly.

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Tips for Making Bone Broth

• Never let it boil. A hard boil clouds the broth and emulsifies the fat into it, giving a greasy taste, while a bare simmer keeps it clear.
• Use a mix of bones, including something with joints. Knuckles and feet supply the gelatine that makes the broth set.
• Add salt at the end, not the beginning. The broth reduces over the long simmer, and seasoning early can leave it too salty.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.

What to Serve with Bone Broth

• A mug on its own with a pinch of salt
• Noodles and greens
• Cooked rice

Storing & Reheating Bone Broth

Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. It freezes very well for up to 6 months in jars with a gap at the top or in ice-cube trays. Bring it to a rolling boil for a few minutes when you reheat it.

Bone Broth FAQ: Common Questions

Bone Broth Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.