Bone broth has recently surged in popularity due to its immense health benefits, rich flavor, and versatility. Once considered a humble kitchen staple, it has now found its place as a star ingredient in soups, stews, sauces, and even as a drink on its own. For centuries, cultures around the world have relied on bone broth for its nourishing qualities, packed with collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals.
Today, making bone broth at home is a highly recommended practice because it allows you to control the ingredients, the quality of the bones, and, of course, the flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make, and this easy bone broth soup recipe is perfect for those who are just starting their homemade broth journey or anyone who wants a cozy meal packed with nutrients.
Let’s dive into this flavorful, easy-to-make bone broth soup recipe that will warm you up and nourish your body from the inside out.
Easy Bone Broth Soup Recipe
This bone broth soup recipe is a simple yet delicious way to incorporate the nourishing power of bone broth into your meals. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any season, whether you’re fighting off a cold or just want a wholesome, filling meal. The key to this soup is using rich, flavorful bone broth that can be made ahead of time or purchased. You can load the soup with vegetables, protein, and seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients Needed
- Bone Broth (4-6 cups): This is the base of your soup, and it’s important to use a good quality bone broth. Homemade bone broth is preferable for the richness and depth of flavor it provides, but store-bought can work in a pinch.
- Vegetables (carrots, celery, onions – roughly chopped): These add a beautiful mix of flavors and textures, giving the broth more body. You can use whatever vegetables you like-leeks, garlic, or even parsnips.
- Garlic (2-3 cloves): A couple of cloves of garlic, finely chopped or smashed, will enhance the depth of the flavor, making it aromatic and savory.
- Herbs (fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves): Herbs bring a nice earthy, aromatic quality to your broth, complementing the richness of the bones.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to enhance the flavor of the broth.
- Optional Protein (shredded chicken, beef, or tofu): Adding protein will make the soup more substantial and turn it into a full meal.
- Vegetable Add-ins (spinach, kale, zucchini): Feel free to add greens or any veggies of your choice for extra nutrients and color.
Cooking Instructions
Making bone broth soup is a straightforward process, and you’ll have a delicious pot of goodness simmering away in no time. Here’s how to bring it all together:
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Prepare The Bone Broth (if Homemade)
If you’re making your own bone broth, start by roasting your bones for about 30 minutes at 400°F to develop a deep, caramelized flavor. Then, transfer them to a large pot, cover with water, add vinegar (to help extract nutrients from the bones), and let it simmer for 12-24 hours. After that, strain the broth to remove any solids.
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Prepare The Vegetables
While your bone broth is simmering (or if you’re using pre-made broth), chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. The carrots, celery, and onions should be roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly. Smash and chop the garlic for extra flavor infusion.
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Sauté The Vegetables (optional)
In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step intensifies the flavors of the vegetables.
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Add The Bone Broth
Pour in the bone broth, stirring well to combine the flavors of the sautéed veggies. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. If you’re using homemade bone broth, feel free to skim off any impurities or foam that may form on top.
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Season And Simmer
Add the herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir and let everything simmer for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have the time. This will allow all the flavors to meld together. You can also taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
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Add Optional Protein & Greens
If you’re adding protein (like shredded chicken or beef), toss it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking so it can heat through. You can also throw in any greens (spinach, kale) or additional veggies now to keep their color and texture intact.
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Final Taste Check & Serve
Before serving, taste the soup one final time and adjust seasoning if necessary. Once it’s perfect, ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired, and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
- Bone Broth: The star of the show! Bone broth is incredibly nutritious, packed with collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. These components help with joint health, skin elasticity, digestive health, and overall immunity. The longer the broth simmers, the more concentrated the nutrients, making it incredibly healing.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions-often referred to as the “holy trinity” in cooking-are essential for their sweetness and earthiness. They complement the deep flavor of the bone broth. Add-ins like spinach and kale increase the fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants of the soup.
- Garlic: Garlic has natural antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also adds a lovely savory depth to the broth.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves impart an earthy, aromatic quality to the soup. Fresh herbs are ideal as they release more essential oils and flavor into the broth compared to dried herbs.
Expert Tips
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Roast Your Bones
Roasting your bones beforehand deepens the flavor and gives your broth a richer, caramelized base. This step makes a huge difference in the overall taste!
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Skim The Foam
When making bone broth from scratch, it’s important to skim off any impurities or foam that rises to the surface during the first few hours of cooking. This ensures a clear and clean broth.
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Use Cold Water
Always start with cold water when making your own bone broth. This helps extract more gelatin and nutrients from the bones during the simmering process.
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Add Acid
Adding a splash of vinegar (apple cider vinegar is a great choice) helps draw the minerals from the bones and ensures your broth is rich in nutrients. Don’t worry; the vinegar taste won’t linger in the final product.
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Make Extra Broth
Double or triple your batch of broth, and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later use. Bone broth keeps well and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Recipe Variations
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Asian-Inspired Bone Broth Soup
Add ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sliced mushrooms for an umami-packed, Asian-inspired twist on your broth. Top with a boiled egg and green onions for extra flavor.
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Spicy Bone Broth Soup
If you like a bit of heat, throw in a sliced jalapeño, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some cayenne pepper to bring some spice to the mix. You can also use chili garlic paste for an extra punch.
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Vegetarian Bone Broth Soup
Swap out the bone broth for a rich vegetable broth. Add in roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly option.
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Herb-Infused Bone Broth Soup
Experiment with different herbs-dill, basil, or oregano-based on your flavor preferences. Fresh herbs give the soup a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Final Words
Bone broth soup is a nourishing, comforting dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re looking to nourish your body with a warming, nutrient-rich meal or simply want something hearty to enjoy, this easy bone broth soup recipe is your go-to solution. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup is perfect for beginners, busy families, or anyone who loves a wholesome, homemade meal.