Ham Bone Broth

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3–4 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes–4 hours 10 minutes

Servings: About 8–10 cups (4 servings as a drink, more as a soup base)

Ingredients:

Leftover ham bone with some meat attached – 1 large

Carrots, roughly chopped – 2 medium

Celery stalks, roughly chopped – 2

Yellow onion, quartered – 1 large

Garlic cloves, smashed – 4

Bay leaves – 2

Whole black peppercorns – 1 teaspoon

Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon

Fresh parsley stems – 6–8 stems

Water – 10–12 cups

Optional: fresh thyme sprigs – 3–4

Optional: salt – to taste at the end

Instructions:

Add the ham bone, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, parsley stems, peppercorns, and thyme to a large stockpot.

Pour in enough water to cover the bone by 2.5–5 cm (1–2 inches) and add apple cider vinegar.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a very gentle simmer.

Simmer uncovered for 3–4 hours, occasionally turning the bone and skimming foam or fat.

Remove the bone and vegetables, then strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or bowl.

Taste and add salt if needed. Cool, skim fat if desired, then store in jars in the fridge or freezer.

Nutrition (Calories)Approximately 40–80 calories per cup, depending on fat content. Best for soups, stews, beans, grains, or sipping warm from a mug. Naturally high in flavor and protein-rich broth.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 10

Servings: 4

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 80

Notes

Pro Tip:
Let the broth chill completely, then lift off the solid fat for a lighter broth, or keep some for extra richness in hearty soups.