Sunday, November 10, 2013

Simple, Nourishing Stove-Top Chicken Broth




After the birth of my son, I started to experience discomfort and aches in my knees and ankles every time I got out of bed. After several weeks of discomfort I was ready to do something about it. I knew that mineral and nutrient deficiencies caused joint discomfort. I started freezing the bone leftovers from the whole chickens we roasted once a week and started making chicken broth. After drinking this broth for three days, the aching was GONE and has not returned since then. The aching may have been from the 50+lbs I gained during my pregnancy, or from the 48+hr labor or simply from having all the minerals in my body depleted and not replaced. A woman's body is amazing and is able to adjust through many changes while pregnant and giving birth. It is important that we care for ourselves first so we are able to care for those we love.

This is one of the most inexpensive, nourishing foods to add to your health routine. I have been making bone broth at home for over a year now. This is a great way to use leftovers bones from your roasted organic chickens and vegetable scraps. I highly recommend this for anyone experiencing  bone or joint discomfort, arthritis or tooth decay and sensitivity. Homemade chicken broth is economic, healthy and delicious!


What is Bone broth?

Bone broth is a traditional dish used throughout the world for thousands of years that is known for its healing qualities. Bone broth is the liquid 'soup' leftover from bones and vegetables that have been simmered in low heat for about 24hrs. The slow heat extraction process transforms the water into a nutrient-packed soup rich in phosphorus, gelatin, collagen and other trace minerals. 



Benefits of Bone Broth

  • Easy to digest - The minerals are already broken down and in liquid form, making it easy on the gut and intestines to absorb.
  • Heals and nourishes the gut - Many gut healing diets such as GAPS encourage the use of broth to aid the gentle healing process.
  • Decongestant- Great for drinking when sick and congested with a cold. Chicken soup, Anyone?
  • Reduces inflammation and joint pain - Provides the body with trace minerals for bones and joints.
  • Supports bone growth and REmineralization - Bones need phosphorus and calcium to grow and to REminiralize, both present in bone broth.
  • Promotes Beautiful Skin - Broth is rich in beautifying collagen and gelatin!
  • Hair and Nail growth- ^
  • Promotes sleep and relaxation 

Now that you know some of the amazing benefits... Lets get on to the recipe so you can start making your own at home!


Gratitude.

It is important that we show appreciation and gratitude toward the animal that we are consuming for our own nourishment. No one likes to talk about this but it is an important and mindful ritual for me. Being grateful will send love to the animal's spirit. When preparing food in a state of love and gratitude your meal will taste better and it will transfer the love and good energy to those consuming it. 






SIMPLE, NOURISHING STOVE-TOP 
CHICKEN BROTH 
  Ingredients:
  • 1 gallon Bag full of frozen Pasture Raised, Soy-Free Chicken bones or 2 organic chicken carcases
  • 2-4 chicken feet
  • 2-3 Large Sweet Onions, roughly chopped
  • 2 Large Carrots, roughly chopped
  • 5-6 stalks of Celery, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 bunch of Parsley
  • 1Ts Peppercorns
  • 5-6 Quarts of Spring or reverse osmosis water (Please make sure your water is NOT fluoridated) 
  • 1Tbs Organic, Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions:
  1. In a large stainless steel pot, add water, raw apple cider vinegar and mix together.
  2. Add bones, feet, 1+1/2 chopped sweet onions, 1 Carrot and 3 chopped stalks celery and let it sit for 30minutes.
  3. Turn the burner ON to medium heat and bring to a boil.
  4. Scoop out foam from the top (if any).
  5. Bring the temperature down to Low/Med heat to a slow simmer (you should see a couple of bubbles).
  6. Cook on low heat for 8-12hours and then add peppercorns, the remaining onions and celery. If leaving overnight and water is low, add another two quarts of water, bring back to a boil and then drop and leave at low/med setting.
  7. Cook for another 8-12hrs at low/med heat. 
  8. Ten minutes prior to your broth being completed, add parsley.
  9. Allow broth to cool down for 30mins, strain with a stainless steel strainer and place liquid into glass jars. Store in fridge.
  10. In a couple hours, the fat from the broth should rise to the top of the glass container. Skim that off and toss it. In a day or so your broth should turn thick and gelatinous. That is what you want! 
  11. Freeze excess broth as it should only sit in your fridge for about 3 days. 
  12. TO ENJOY: Heat in low/med heat and serve! Add sea salt to taste.
 






In my home, we simply drink it in the morning instead of Tea or coffee, use it as a base in soups and to cook vegetables.

Why chicken Feet? 
Chicken feet are one of the sources with the highest amount of Collagen and Gelatin! These two are vital for skin, hair and nail growth. 


Did you enjoy this post? Leave a comment below and share with your friends and family!


  ~Blessings to All~ 

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