I make chicken broth about every two weeks and drink a cup of it everyday. It is so easy to do and like I said, so beneficial for so many things including healing your gut!! It provides the body with easily absorbed minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and other trace minerals. In addition to the collagen it provides (Ladies, did you see the word collagen, it improves aging skin! I hope you are all convinced to make your own broth now!!!), it also contains natural gelatin.
Gelatin was found to be useful in the treatment of a long list of diseases including peptic ulcers, tuberculosis, diabetes, muscle diseases, infectious diseases, jaundice and cancer. Babies had fewer digestive problems when gelatin was added to their milk. The American researcher Francis Pottenger pointed out that as gelatin is a hydrophilic colloid, which means that it attracts and holds liquids, it facilitates digestion by attracting digestive juices to food in the gut. (source: wapf.org)
I use a crockpot since I let it simmer for over 24 hours, but you can certainly use a large stock pot and leave it cooking overnight. You want to use about 2lbs of bones for every 4 quarts of water. Make sure your bones are from grass-fed animals (Us Wellness Meats is great source for tons of different bones and grass-fed meats)! I use chicken feet most of the time and find them in a freezer at Whole Foods. Ask the butcher if you can't find them. I just love how much gelatin feet produce. They are kind of creepy looking, but once you realize how amazing the broth is, you'll get over it!! Add the bones and water to your pot and also add at least 2 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar (organic and unfiltered) or Coconut Vinegar(vinegar provides acid and draws minerals out of the bones) along with about a tsp of sea salt. Use more vinegar and salt if you are using more than 4 quarts of water. I also add some garlic cloves, a carrot, celery stalk and some onion for flavor. Allow the broth to come to a boil and then turn down the temperature to a simmer and let it simmer for at least 8 hours, the longer the better. Once it's cooked, turn off the crockpot or remove your pot from heat and allow the broth to cool. Strain the stock through a fine mesh metal strainer or with a spider and throw away what you skim off. Place the cooled stock into glass jars for storage in the fridge (for up to a week) or pour into freezer-safe containers (not glass, they will break!) for later use. You can freeze it in ice cube trays and defrost a few at a time!
When the broth is fully cooled, it may have a gelatinous consistency. That means your broth is rich in gelatin! Sometimes a longer or very hot simmer may break down the gelatin and your broth won’t appear gelatinous. Don't worry, the minerals are still there. As you can see in my photo, there is a layer of fat on top. If you like, you can skim off any fat that is now considered “tallow” – and feel free to cook with it! I have also heard its so good for your skin, applied topically! I just might have to get brave and put it on my feet at night!!
Chicken Noodle Soup
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade is best, see recipe in text above)
- 1/2 – 1 onion, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- sprinkle of parsley for color (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 chicken breasts
Noodles:
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil and add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic and salt and pepper.
- Turn down to a simmer and add the two chicken breasts
- Depending on the thickness of breasts, cook the chicken completely, about 10-15 minutes
- Remove the chicken and once it’s cool enough to touch, chop it or shred it and return it to the simmering soup
Noodles:
- Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir until dough forms
- If it seems too sticky add a tiny bit more almond flour. It its crumbly, read my comment in Quick Notes below
- Place a piece of parchment paper on the counter and spray it with coconut oil spray or lightly brush oil onto the paper and place dough on it
- Take another piece of parchment and do the same to one side and place on top of the dough. this keeps the dough from sticking
- Roll out the dough to no less than 1/4 inch thick. If these are to thin, some of noodle will disintegrate. I think a bit over 1/4 inch is best
- With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut noodles into desired width and length, they will grow a bit wider once cooked
- Place the cut noodles in the simmering broth, cover and cook for 3-5 minutes or until desired tenderness
- Remove pot from heat and serve
Quick notes
*I use farm fresh eggs that tend to be a bit smaller. If your dough is crumbly after you’ve completely mixed it, you may need to add another egg or half an egg (whisk and pour just half).
Soups On!!!!
