Soup is a universal comfort food-whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something warm and hearty. The beauty of soup lies in its versatility, and one of the most nutritious and flavorful ways to elevate any soup is by adding bones. More specifically, bone broth. You’ve probably heard of it, but what makes bone broth so great? It’s packed with collagen, gelatin, and a myriad of essential nutrients, making it not just a delicious base for your soups, but also an incredibly healthy one.
But here’s the catch: making a rich, flavorful bone broth from scratch can take hours. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in-a kitchen gadget that’s nothing short of a game-changer. With an Instant Pot, you can cut down cooking time dramatically, while still getting the same deep, rich flavors you’d expect from a long-simmered broth. In today’s guide, I’ll walk you through a super simple Instant Pot Soup Bone Recipe that will have you making delicious, nutrient-dense bone broth without the wait.
Instant Pot Soup Bone Recipe
This recipe is straightforward, flavorful, and flexible. It works great with any type of bones (beef, chicken, pork, or even lamb), and the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking ability ensures that all the flavors and nutrients are extracted efficiently. Plus, the best part: you don’t have to hover over the stove for hours!
Here’s how to make your own Instant Pot Soup Bone recipe.
Ingredients Needed
For the perfect bone broth, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly adaptable, so you can add or remove ingredients based on your preferences.
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Bones (about 2-3 Lbs)
- Beef Bones: Oxtail, marrow bones, short ribs, or knuckle bones for a rich, collagen-packed broth.
- Chicken Bones: Chicken backs, wings, necks, or carcasses. These are ideal for a lighter broth but still have great flavor.
- Pork Bones: If you prefer a slightly sweeter broth, pork bones (like neck bones or ham hocks) are a great choice.
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Aromatic Vegetables
- 2 medium onions, quartered (no need to peel!)
- 3-4 garlic cloves, smashed (unpeeled adds more depth)
- 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
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Herbs & Spices
- 2 bay leaves
- 10-12 whole black peppercorns
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar (this helps break down the collagen from the bones)
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- A handful of parsley (optional)
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Water
- 10 cups of filtered water (you can adjust the amount depending on how much broth you want to make)
Cooking Instructions
This Instant Pot Soup Bone recipe couldn’t be simpler. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function is perfect for extracting all the nutrients from the bones in a fraction of the time.
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Prepare The Bones
If you’re using raw bones, it’s a good idea to roast them first for about 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This helps deepen the flavor and give the broth that rich, golden color. If you don’t have the time, don’t worry-you can skip this step.
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Add Everything To The Instant Pot
Once your bones are prepped (or if you’re using pre-cooked bones), add them to the Instant Pot. Toss in your chopped vegetables (onion, carrots, celery), garlic cloves, bay leaves, peppercorns, and any herbs you’re using.
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Fill With Water
Pour the 10 cups of filtered water into the pot. Make sure the water covers the bones by at least 1-2 inches. If needed, adjust the amount of water based on the size of your Instant Pot.
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Add The Apple Cider Vinegar
Add the apple cider vinegar to the mix. This is key for helping to extract minerals from the bones during the cooking process.
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Set The Instant Pot
Seal the lid, set the valve to the ’sealing’ position, and press the ’Soup/Broth’ button. Set the timer for 120 minutes (2 hours). If you have more time, you can extend it up to 3 hours for an even richer broth.
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Release Pressure And Strain
Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to release any remaining steam. Open the lid and strain the broth using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Discard the bones and vegetables.
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Store Or Serve
You can store the broth in airtight containers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze it for longer storage. If you’re ready to serve, simply heat the broth and enjoy it as is, or use it as a base for soups, stews, risottos, or gravies.
Ingredient Insights
Now, let’s take a deeper look at the main ingredients and why they make this recipe so special.
- Bones: The backbone of any great bone broth. The type of bones you use will greatly influence the flavor. Beef bones offer a deep, rich broth, while chicken bones create a lighter, more delicate flavor.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery (a classic combination known as mirepoix) add sweetness and depth to the broth. They provide the perfect balance to the savory richness of the bones.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: It may seem odd to add vinegar to a soup, but its acid helps break down the collagen and gelatin in the bones, which are key to making a rich, velvety broth. It also enhances the mineral extraction.
- Herbs and Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley all contribute aromatic complexity to the broth, giving it a vibrant, herby flavor without overwhelming the natural richness of the bones.
Expert Tips
- Roast the Bones for Extra Flavor: While this step is optional, roasting your bones beforehand adds a richer, more complex flavor to your broth. This is especially recommended for beef bones.
- Skim the Foam: Once the broth begins cooking, you may notice some foam or impurities rise to the surface. Skimming this off will result in a cleaner, clearer broth.
- Use the Right Ratio of Bones to Water: You want to make sure there are enough bones in relation to the water so the broth is rich and flavorful. If your broth is too thin, it can be reduced after cooking to concentrate the flavors.
- Save the Leftovers: Don’t throw away those bones! You can reuse them for a second batch of broth. After straining the first batch, just add fresh water and seasoning, and cook again. The second batch may be a bit lighter, but it’s still useful for soups or as a base for gravies.
- Freeze It for Later: Bone broth freezes beautifully. After cooling, portion it into ice cube trays or large containers, and it will be ready for use anytime you need it.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and tailor it to your tastes!
- Spicy Broth: Add a couple of dried chilies or a few slices of fresh ginger to bring a little heat to your broth.
- Herb Variations: Try experimenting with different herbs, like rosemary or sage, depending on the flavor profile you’re after. Fresh herbs work best, but dried herbs are fine too.
- Vegetarian Version: If you’re not into bone-based broths, you can make a hearty vegetable broth with just the veggies and water. You won’t get the same collagen benefits, but it’ll still be nutritious and flavorful.
- Miso Bone Broth: Add a couple of tablespoons of miso paste at the end of cooking for an umami boost that enhances the broth’s savory depth.
Final Words
This Instant Pot Soup Bone recipe isn’t just about making broth; it’s about creating a nutrient-packed base that enhances your soups, stews, and countless other dishes. It’s an excellent way to utilize leftover bones, minimize food waste, and ensure that every dish you make is full of flavor and goodness. The Instant Pot turns a traditionally time-consuming process into a quick and easy one, meaning you can have homemade, nutritious bone broth whenever you need it.
FAQs
What Is An Instant Pot Soup Bone Recipe?
An Instant Pot soup bone recipe typically involves cooking soup bones (such as beef, pork, or chicken bones) with various vegetables and seasonings to create a flavorful and nutritious broth or soup. The Instant Pot is used to speed up the cooking process compared to traditional stovetop or slow cooker methods.
What Are Soup Bones?
Soup bones are bones, usually from beef, pork, or chicken, that contain marrow and connective tissues. These bones add rich flavor and nutrients to broths and soups. Common types include marrow bones, neck bones, and shank bones.
Can I Use Frozen Soup Bones In The Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use frozen soup bones in the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot is capable of cooking frozen ingredients directly, though it may take a few extra minutes to come to pressure. The result will still be a rich and flavorful broth.
What Should I Include In My Instant Pot Soup Bone Recipe?
In addition to soup bones, common ingredients include aromatics like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, along with salt and pepper, are typically used for seasoning. Some recipes also include tomatoes, potatoes, or leafy greens for added flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Soup Bones In An Instant Pot?
Cooking soup bones in an Instant Pot typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of bone and the desired richness of the broth. If you’re making a bone broth, it’s common to use the ’Soup’ or ’Broth’ setting, which often takes 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Can I Cook Different Types Of Bones Together In The Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook different types of bones together in the Instant Pot, but you may need to adjust cooking times slightly depending on the size and type of the bones. For example, beef bones may need slightly more time than chicken bones, but generally, cooking times remain similar.
How Do I Make The Broth Clear In An Instant Pot Soup Bone Recipe?
To make the broth clear, you can use a method called “skimming”. After the initial cooking, open the Instant Pot and remove the bones and large vegetables. Skim any foam or impurities from the top of the broth. You can also strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove any remaining bits.
What Is The Difference Between Bone Broth And Regular Soup Broth?
Bone broth is typically cooked for a longer period, extracting collagen, gelatin, and minerals from the bones. It results in a thicker, richer broth. Regular soup broth is usually made with meat and vegetables, and it tends to be lighter and less nutrient-dense compared to bone broth.
Can I Make Soup With The Broth After Cooking Soup Bones In The Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Once the bones have been cooked, you can strain the broth and return it to the Instant Pot. Add your choice of vegetables, seasonings, and protein to create a delicious soup. You can also add noodles, rice, or grains for a heartier meal.
Can I Store Instant Pot Soup Bone Broth, And How Long Does It Last?
Yes, you can store the broth in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Bone broth freezes well and can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months. You can freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning or in large containers.