Simmering Perfection: Mastering Chicken Broth at Home
There's something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken broth. It's a timeless classic that warms both the body and the soul, offering solace on chilly evenings or when you're feeling under the weather. The rich aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers on the stove is enough to make your mouth water in anticipation.
From a functional medicine perspective, this broth is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential amino acids, collagen, and minerals, known to support gut health, joint function, and boost the immune system, making it not just delicious but also a healing elixir for the body.
Ingredients
1 whole free-range chicken or 2 to 3 pounds of bony chicken parts, such as necks, backs, breastbones and wings*
gizzards from one chicken (optional)
2-4 chicken feet (optional)
4 quarts cold filtered water
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
1 bunch parsley
Method
Rinse the chicken or chicken parts under cold running water.
Place the chicken or chicken parts in a large stockpot or slow cooker.
Pour in the cold filtered water, add the vinegar and bring the water to a boil over high heat. As it heats up, you may notice some foam rising to the surface. Skim off this foam with a slotted spoon and discard it. This helps to clarify the broth.
Once the water is boiling and mostly clear of foam, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the rest of the ingredients.
Allow the broth to simmer gently for at least 4 hours, but you can simmer it for up to 24 hours for maximum flavour and nutrition. The longer you simmer, the richer the broth will become.
After simmering for your desired time, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard the solids.
Allow the broth to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Once cooled, store the broth in airtight glass jars or glass containers. It can also be frozen for up to 4-6 months. If stored in the fridge, use within 4 days.
Enjoy! You can use your homemade chicken broth as a base for soups, stews, or sauces, or simply enjoy a comforting cup of warm broth on its own. It's a nutrient-rich addition to your healthy diet.
Homemade chicken broth is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and collagen. It's a versatile kitchen staple that can elevate the flavor of your dishes while providing numerous health benefits.