Kitchen Scrap Instant Pot Bone Broth

I LOVE homemade soup. Soup is a nearly perfect family meal in my opinion. I’m not sure if I’m more satisfied by clearing out produce that needs to be used or by knowing there will only be one pot to clean, but I do know that we always (well usually.. some kids are more picky than others) come away from the table with six happy tummies. But do you know the secret to really good soup? I wholeheartedly believe that the not-so-secret secret to really good soup is the broth and after learning about and making my own Instant Pot bone broth several years ago I will never go back to store bought broth/stock again.

Bone Broth Can Be Simple

I’m not sure why I thought making stock was a big undertaking before. Maybe it was just the cook time that seemed daunting? But this Instant Pot Bone Broth recipe is so simple. I am confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It is sure to become a staple in your Autumn and Winter kitchen, if not all year long!

Every time I make this I feel proud that I am using every bit of the bird and all the scraps from my kitchen. Anyone else love that feeling?

Ingredients

Bones

Vegetable Scraps

3 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar

2 Bay leaves

Handful of Herbs (thyme, rosemary, and parsley are great options)

Filtered Water to cover

How to Prep

As my family eats meat I save all the bones in a resealable freezer bag. I do the same thing with kitchen scraps. I like to save the tops of carrots and celery, onion ends and peels, garlic peels, herb stems, tops of tomatoes, zucchini… anything! The only things that I don’t toss into my scrap bag are starchy scraps like potatoes or anything that might make the broth bitter like kale or spinach. You can still freeze the greens, but I suggest adding them to your smoothies.

Little Tip: you can rinse and reuse the bag over and over again! I only throw mine away when it gets torn.

To Make Bone Broth in an Instant Pot

First, drop the bones into the pot.

Followed by your vegetable scraps.

Now, this is completely optional. If you have any fresh herbs that you want to use up, add them to the pot with 2 bay leaves!

Next pour in about 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. No need to measure. Just eyeball it and don’t worry… your broth will not have a sour or acidic taste. The vinegar helps to draw the nutrients out of the bones.

Cover the contents of the pot with water.

Lastly, put on the lid *remember to turn the knob on top of the lid to ‘sealing’*.

Setting your Instant Pot

Set the Instant Pot to cook on low pressure for 4 hours.

Alternatively, for a quick stock you could just hit the Soup/Broth button, but it is important to note that the longer cook time is what differentiates bone broth from the other members of the stock family and what gets you the health benefits specific to bone broth. You decide what you have time for and what is important to you in your soup. Either will be healthy and delicious!

Straining and Storing your Bone Broth

When it is done cooking there is no need to rush. Allow the pressure to naturally release. Your bone broth can happily stay in the pot on the ‘keep warm’ setting until you are ready for it. I’ve even started this at night before bed and left it until the morning. Fit it in around your schedule. When you do get to it, you will find a beautiful clear broth. YUM!!!

Pull out the bones and pour it through a strainer or mesh sieve.

You can use it right away or let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It also stores beautifully in the freezer for up to six months!

I almost always have a jar in the refrigerator ready for soups, stews, rice, pasta… whatever we’re cooking.. and I’m sure I have at least 2 bags in the freezer in case I ever need extra! Bone broth really adds a depth of flavor that you just cannot get store bought broth or even from a homemade quick broth. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know how it goes!!

Important Note!!

I just wanted to bring to your attention that there is NO SALT in this recipe. If you use it to replace a store bought broth the result will be bland. You will need to adjust your seasoning to taste. Heads up!

Instant Pot Bone Broth

Print

The not-so-secret secret to really good soup is the broth. Bone broth has a depth of flavor you just can't get from store bought stock or even a homemade quick broth. Try it! It'll become a staple in your Autumn and Winter kitchen if not through the whole year!

Prep Time 7 minutes

Cook Time 1 day 4 seconds

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 1 day 22 minutes 4 seconds

Ingredients

• Bones
• Vegetable Scraps
• 3 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar
• Water
• Herbs (optional)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Put the bones, vegetable scraps, herbs, and apple cider vinegar into the Instant Pot.
2. Cover with water.
3. Close the lid and set the knob on top to "sealing".
4. Pressure cook on low for 4 hours.
5. Allow the pressure to "naturally release".
6. Hit "cancel" and allow the broth to cool until it it cool enough to handle.
7. Remove the bones and pour the broth through a strainer or a mesh sieve.
8. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Bone broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week and in the freezer for 6 months.

** There is NO SALT in this recipe. When cooking with it, adjust seasonings to taste.