Welcome to the nourishing world of slow cooker turkey bone broth! In this recipe, we’ll explore the art of transforming turkey bones into a rich, flavorful broth packed with health benefits that are essential for women over 50.
Bone broth has been cherished for centuries as a healing elixir, celebrated for its deep flavor and nutritional prowess. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can effortlessly simmer your way to a delicious homemade broth that’s perfect for sipping, soups, stews, and more.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering bones, meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices in water for an extended period, typically at least 12 hours. This slow cooking process allows the bones to release their minerals, collagen, gelatin, and other beneficial compounds into the broth, resulting in a flavorful and highly nutritious elixir.
Health Benefits of Bone Broth
Joint Health: Bone broth is rich in collagen and gelatin, which are important for women over 50 in maintaining healthy joints and reducing inflammation. Consuming it regularly may help relieve joint pain and promote overall joint health.
Gut Health: The gelatin found in bone broth supports gut health by sealing the lining of the digestive tract, which can help alleviate symptoms of leaky gut syndrome and improve digestion.
Skin, Hair, and Nails: Collagen, the main protein in bone broth, plays a vital role in promoting youthful skin, strong hair, and healthy nails. Drinking it regularly may contribute to a radiant complexion and improved overall appearance. Collagen is also what keeps our skin looking plump and youthful!
Immune Support: The amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants present in bone broth help support a healthy immune system, making it a valuable addition to your wellness routine, especially during cold and flu season.
High in protein: Bone broth is high in protein and rich in flavor which boosts its appeal. It’s typically low in calories, yet provides a healthy dose of protein that is so important in maintaining muscle mass as we age.
Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Bone broth is hydrating and contains essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, making it a natural electrolyte replenisher that aids in maintaining fluid balance within the body.
Budget-Friendly
Making your own bone broth at home using leftover turkey bones is not only a great way to reduce food waste but also a cost-effective way to enjoy its many health benefits compared to store-bought varieties.
Now that we’ve explored the wonders of bone broth and its health benefits, let’s dive into the recipe.
Slow Cooker Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Ingredients:
2-3 pounds of turkey bones (including any leftover carcass from a roasted turkey)
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
10 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
If you haven’t already, remove any excess meat from the turkey bones. You can leave some meat on for flavor if you prefer.
Chop the carrots, celery, and onion.
Smash the garlic cloves.
2. Place Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place the turkey bones, chopped vegetables, smashed garlic, bay leaves, and optional herbs into the slow cooker.
Add the apple cider vinegar. The acidity helps draw out the nutrients from the bones.
3. Add Water
Pour in 10 cups of water, or enough to cover all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on Low Heat
Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 12 hours. Cooking the broth slowly on low heat allows the flavors to meld and the nutrients to fully extract from the bones.
5. Strain the Broth
Once it has finished cooking, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the larger pieces of bones and vegetables from the slow cooker.
Carefully strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot.
6. Season to Taste
Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Cool and Store
Allow the broth to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers.
Store the broth in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer-term storage. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the containers if freezing, as the broth will expand as it freezes.
2-3poundsturkey bones (including any leftover carcass from a roasted turkey)
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, quartered
4clovesgarlic
2 bay leaves
1tbspapple cider vinegar
10cupswater
salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary
Instructions
If you haven't already, remove any excess meat from the turkey bones. You can leave some meat on for flavor if you prefer.
Chop the carrots, celery, and onion.
Smash the garlic cloves.
Place the turkey bones, chopped vegetables, smashed garlic, bay leaves, and optional herbs into the slow cooker.
Add the apple cider vinegar. The acidity helps draw out the nutrients from the bones.
Pour in 10 cups of water, or enough to cover all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 12 hours. Cooking the broth slowly on low heat allows the flavors to meld and the nutrients to fully extract from the bones.
Once the broth has finished cooking, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the larger pieces of bones and vegetables from the slow cooker.
Carefully strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot.
Season to taste.
Allow the broth to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. Store the broth in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer-term storage. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the containers if freezing, as the broth will expand as it freezes.
