Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup is a nourishing, comforting dish that provides a host of benefits for your digestive health. Bone broth, made by simmering bones over a long period of time, is packed with collagen, gelatin, and amino acids that are known to support gut health, boost the immune system, and promote joint and skin health. This hearty soup combines the goodness of bone broth with nutritious vegetables and herbs, making it the perfect meal for anyone looking to support their digestive health and overall well-being.
1. Why Choose Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup?
Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup offers a variety of health benefits while being a comforting, hearty meal. Here’s why this soup is an excellent choice:
Promotes Digestive Health
Bone broth contains collagen and gelatin, which are great for healing and sealing the gut lining, especially for those suffering from leaky gut syndrome or digestive issues. The amino acids in bone broth, such as glycine and proline, also help repair the digestive tract and promote healthy gut flora.
Boosts Immunity
Bone broth is full of minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients that support the immune system. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory and helps to support the body’s natural defense mechanisms, making it an excellent option during cold and flu season.
Rich in Nutrients
This soup is not just soothing for the gut, but it’s also packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. The combination of bone broth and vegetables provides a nutrient-dense meal that can support overall health and wellness.
Easy to Make and Customize
Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup is easy to make, and it can be customized with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or seasonings. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or according to your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish.
2. Ingredients for Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup
This soup comes together with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients that contribute to the gut-healing properties of bone broth. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Bone Broth:
- 2 lbs beef or chicken bones (preferably with marrow, knuckles, or joints)
- 10 cups filtered water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from the bones)
- 2 cloves garlic (for flavor and immune support)
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 2 carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 celery stalks (cut into chunks)
- 1 bay leaf
- 10-12 peppercorns (for flavor)
- Salt to taste
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 zucchini (diced)
- 1 cup spinach (or kale, for extra nutrients)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary)
These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful broth that’s packed with nutrients, with added vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
3. How to Make Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup
Making bone broth from scratch does take some time, but the process is relatively simple. Follow these easy steps:
- Make the Bone Broth
- Place the bones in a large pot or slow cooker. Add water until the bones are fully submerged. Add the apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the vinegar to break down the bones.
- If using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 12-24 hours. If using a stovetop, bring the broth to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 6-8 hours. During cooking, skim any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Strain the Bone Broth
Once the broth has finished cooking, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot. Discard the bones and vegetables, as they’ve given their nutrients to the broth. - Prepare the Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the sliced carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the strained bone broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Greens and Season
Stir in the spinach (or kale), and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like, add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an extra burst of flavor. - Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
4. Why This Soup is Good for You
Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup is more than just comforting—it’s a powerhouse of nutrition:
Bone Broth Benefits
Bone broth is rich in collagen and gelatin, which support the health of the gut lining and help to repair the digestive tract. It also contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are vital for bone health and overall bodily function.
Supports Joint Health
Collagen, which is found in abundance in bone broth, supports joint health by providing the body with the building blocks it needs to produce and repair cartilage. This makes bone broth a great addition for those with joint pain or arthritis.
Boosts Immune System
The garlic, onion, and other veggies in this soup help strengthen the immune system. Garlic, in particular, has antiviral and antibacterial properties that make it an excellent addition to this healing soup.
Promotes Skin Health
The collagen in bone broth isn’t just good for the gut—it also supports healthy, glowing skin by promoting elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
5. Serving Suggestions for Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup
This soup is hearty and flavorful on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of sides to make the meal even more satisfying:
Whole Grain Bread
Serve the soup with a slice of toasted whole grain bread or a baguette for a more filling meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.
Fresh Salad
A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the soup. It adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the warming, savory broth.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower make for a nutritious and filling side dish that complements the flavors of the soup.
Rice or Quinoa
Serve the soup over a bed of rice or quinoa for a heartier option. The grains will soak up the flavorful broth and add texture to the dish.
6. Storage and Reheating
Leftovers from Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup can be easily stored and enjoyed later.
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing the Soup
This soup freezes beautifully. After it cools, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove over low heat.
Reheating
To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought bone broth instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought bone broth as a shortcut. Just make sure to choose a high-quality, low-sodium version for the best flavor and nutritional value.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by substituting the bone broth with vegetable broth. You can also add plant-based protein sources, like tofu or lentils, for extra nutrition.
3. Can I use chicken bones instead of beef?
Yes! You can use chicken bones, such as those from a rotisserie chicken, to make the broth. Chicken bone broth will give the soup a lighter flavor compared to beef bone broth.
4. How long does it take to cook the bone broth?
Bone broth typically takes 12-24 hours if cooked slowly in a crockpot or on the stove. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor and the more nutrients are extracted from the bones.
5. Can I skip the vegetables in the bone broth?
While vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery add extra flavor to the broth, you can skip them if you prefer a more straightforward, meat-focused broth. The garlic and bay leaf will still give it depth.
6. Can I add more protein to the soup?
Yes, you can add more protein by including shredded chicken, beef, or even beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through.
7. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup to prevent excess water from diluting the broth.
8. How do I make the soup spicier?
If you like your soup spicy, add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth. You can also drizzle in some hot sauce when serving.
9. Is this soup good for people with food sensitivities?
This soup is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly, making it suitable for people with those sensitivities. Just ensure that your bone broth is free from any additives or preservatives.
10. How can I make this soup more filling?
To make this soup more filling, you can add grains like quinoa, farro, or rice, or even serve it with a slice of hearty whole-grain bread on the side.