Description

Soup bones are the foundation of rich and hearty broths and soups, packed with natural flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re using beef, pork, chicken, or lamb bones, they add depth and body to your homemade soup. This guide will help you craft a flavorful stock and turn it into a delicious, satisfying soup.

Ingredients

Scale

For Bone Broth Base:

2–3 lbs of soup bones (beef, chicken, pork, or lamb)
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals)
10 cups water

For Soup Variations:

Vegetable Soup: Add diced potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, and corn.
Beef Barley Soup: Add cooked barley, shredded beef from the bones, and fresh parsley.
Chicken Noodle Soup: Use chicken bones, shredded chicken, and egg noodles.

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Bones (Optional for Added Flavor)

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the soup bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, turning once.

Step 2: Make the Bone Broth

In a large stockpot, combine the roasted bones, vegetables, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
Add water and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce to a simmer and cook for:
- 4-6 hours for chicken bones
- 8-12 hours for beef or pork bones
Skim off foam and fat periodically.
Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot or storage container.

Step 3: Prepare the Soup

Use the strained broth as the base for your soup.
Add vegetables, grains, or noodles, and simmer until cooked.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Store broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
Use silicone ice cube trays to freeze small portions for easy use in recipes.
Add a splash of soy sauce or miso for an umami boost in the broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-12 hours
Category: Soup, Broth
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 30-50
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 120-150mg
Fat: 1-3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0-2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5-8g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Soup Bones, Bone Broth Recipe, Homemade Broth