Bone Broth: The Postpartum Elixir for Healing and Nourishment Plus Recipe

At Mama Meals, we understand the importance of nutrient-dense foods, especially during the postpartum period. Bone broth is one of those powerhouse foods that can provide essential nutrients and comfort. Today, we’re excited to share our tried-and-true bone broth recipe, perfect for sipping or adding to your favorite dishes.

Why Bone Broth for Postpartum?

Bone broth is rich in minerals that support the immune system and contains healing compounds like collagen, glutamine, glycine, and proline. These nutrients can help to heal your gut lining, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness – crucial during the postpartum recovery phase.

This nourishing, collagen-rich elixir has been revered for centuries across cultures for its restorative powers, and it's easy to see why it's a must-have for your postpartum recovery:

• Gut Health Glow-Up: Bone broth is packed with gelatin, which helps to soothe and heal the gut lining, promoting optimal digestion and nutrient absorption – a game-changer for postpartum wellness.
  
  
• Joint Rejuvenation: The collagen and amino acids in bone broth work wonders for supporting joint health and mobility, providing much-needed relief for those aches and pains that come with caring for a newborn.
  
  
• Mineral Powerhouse: From calcium and magnesium for bone strength to potassium and phosphorus for muscle recovery, bone broth is a veritable treasure trove of essential minerals that support whole-body healing.
  
  
• Immune Boost: The amino acids glycine and proline in bone broth have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to strengthen your immune system and promote a speedy postpartum recovery.

Ingredients:

• 3-5 lbs bones of choice
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 large onion
• 1-2 carrots
• 1 stalk celery
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 1 gallon filtered water

Directions:

1. Roast the Bones Heat your oven to 400°F and place the bones on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 15-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step adds a rich depth of flavor to your broth but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

2. Cooking Methods:
   

   Instant Pot: Add the roasted bones, water, veggies, and salt to your Instant Pot. Seal and press the "BROTH" button, allowing it to cook for 4 hours. Let it naturally release.

   Large Stock Pot: Combine the bones, water, veggies, and salt in a large stock pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 12-24 hours.

   Crockpot/Slow Cooker: Place the bones, water, veggies, and salt in your crockpot or slow cooker. Let it simmer for 24-28 hours.
   
   

3. Strain and Store: After cooking, strain the bones and veggies from the broth. Pour the broth into airtight glass containers, like 32-64 oz mason jars. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze. When freezing, leave some space at the top and keep the lid loose until frozen to prevent the glass from breaking. Once frozen, tighten the lid.

Notes:

• Versatility: Bone broth is excellent for sipping or using when reheating defrosted meals. It’s also fantastic for cooking rice, pasta, and other dishes.
  
  
• Flavor Boost: Roasting the bones gives a deeper, richer flavor, but feel free to skip this step if needed.
  
  
• Veggie Options: The vegetables are optional and can be customized to your preference.
  
  
• Cost-Effective: Making your own bone broth is highly cost-effective. If you prefer buying it, we recommend brands like Kettle and Fire or Bonafide Provisions. Be cautious of store brands with ingredients like "caramel coloring."
  
  
• Ingredient Guide: Check out our Ingredients Guide inside our FREE Recipe Guide for tips on where to buy high-quality bones.