We love exploring Weston Price recipes, inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Weston Price who uncovered the secrets of traditional diets rich in nutrients. His findings show how whole foods from our ancestors can enhance health and vitality.
In this article we’ll share simple yet delicious options that pack a punch of goodness. Whether you’re new to this or a longtime fan these recipes make it easy to nourish your body the natural way.
Ingredients
In our Weston Price recipes, we prioritize nutrient-dense, whole foods from traditional diets to support health and vitality as inspired by Dr. Weston Price’s research. Below, we outline the ingredients for a simple, nourishing recipe: Nutrient-Dense Bone Broth. This foundational staple highlights the use of high-quality animal products for optimal nutrition.
We organize the ingredients in the order they are used, with prep notes for clarity:
- Bones: 2 pounds of grass-fed beef bones (such as marrow bones or knuckles; roast them in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes before use to enhance flavor and nutrient release).
- Vegetables: 2 medium onions (peeled and quartered for easy simmering); 3 large carrots (scrubbed and chopped into large chunks to add natural sweetness and minerals).
- Aromatic Herbs: 4 garlic cloves (minced for potent flavor infusion); 2 bay leaves (whole, to impart subtle earthiness without overpowering).
- Acidic Element: 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (unfiltered and raw; this helps draw minerals from the bones for a richer broth).
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of sea salt (added at the end for adjustable seasoning); optional 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns (whole, to provide a mild spice and aid digestion).
- Liquid: 12 cups of filtered water (enough to cover all ingredients by 2 inches, ensuring full extraction of nutrients during cooking).
These ingredients emphasize ancestral sourcing, such as choosing grass-fed and organic options, to align with Weston Price principles for maximum health benefits.
Equipment Needed
To craft our nutrient-dense bone broth inspired by Weston Price principles, we rely on a selection of straightforward equipment that simplifies the extraction of vital nutrients from whole, ancestral foods. This setup ensures efficient preparation while aligning with our commitment to traditional, health-promoting methods.
Essential Tools
For successfully making our bone broth recipe, these core items are indispensable. We recommend choosing durable, high-quality versions to handle the long simmering process and maintain nutrient integrity.
- Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven: A 6- to 8-quart pot with a heavy bottom is essential for holding bones, vegetables, and water while distributing heat evenly. We use this to simmer ingredients slowly, maximizing the release of minerals like calcium and collagen.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: Crucial for straining out solids after cooking, this tool helps us achieve a clear, nutrient-rich broth by removing bone fragments and vegetable remnants without losing precious liquids.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp 8-inch knife paired with a sturdy wooden or plastic board is vital for prepping ingredients such as onions and carrots. We emphasize safety and precision to ensure even cuts that enhance flavor extraction.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate 1-cup and 1-tablespoon sets are necessary for measuring water and seasonings precisely, supporting the Weston Price focus on balanced, whole-food nutrition.
Optional Tools
While not required, these tools can enhance our bone broth preparation, offering convenience and potentially better results for enthusiasts seeking to optimize their Weston Price recipes.
- Slow Cooker or Crock-Pot: Ideal for hands-off cooking over 12-24 hours, this device allows us to gently simmer the broth without monitoring, preserving delicate nutrients like vitamins from grass-fed bones.
- Pressure Cooker: A 6-quart electric model can reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours while intensifying flavors, making it a great option for busy schedules without compromising our ancestral dietary principles.
- Cheesecloth or Nut Milk Bag: Useful for an extra-fine strain, this helps us filter out smaller particles for a smoother texture, though a standard strainer works in a pinch for those new to nutrient-dense cooking.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing our nutrient-dense bone broth, drawing on Weston Price principles to maximize health benefits from whole, ancestral foods. Let’s transform simple ingredients into a nourishing elixir that supports vitality and gut health.
Preparation
First, we gather and prep our ingredients to ensure optimal nutrient extraction. Begin by rinsing 2-3 pounds of grass-fed beef bones under cold water to remove any impurities, then pat them dry with a clean towel. Next, chop 2 medium onions, 3 large carrots, and 2 celery stalks into large chunks using a sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board—aim for uniform pieces to promote even cooking and release rich, aromatic flavors.
Crush 4 garlic cloves and roughly tear a handful of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme to enhance the broth’s depth. Measure out 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, which acts as a key acidic element to draw minerals from the bones, and combine 1 teaspoon of sea salt with any additional seasonings in a small bowl. This step sets the foundation for a broth that’s not only flavorful but also packed with bioavailable nutrients, aligning with our Weston Price focus on traditional preparation methods.
Soaking and Fermenting
We soak the bones to break down connective tissues and ferment elements slightly for better digestibility, a technique rooted in ancestral diets. Place the rinsed bones and chopped vegetables into a large stock pot or Dutch oven, then pour in enough filtered water to cover everything by about 2 inches—typically 8-10 cups depending on your pot size.
Add the apple cider vinegar and let the mixture soak for 30-60 minutes at room temperature. This initial soak helps extract collagen and minerals, creating a gelatinous base. For a light ferment, if desired, cover the pot and leave it in a cool spot for an additional 1-2 hours; this step, though optional, enhances probiotic benefits and ties into Weston Price’s emphasis on fermented foods for improved nutrient absorption.
Cooking
We cook the broth low and slow to develop its full-bodied flavor and nutritional profile. Bring the soaked mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then immediately reduce to a low simmer—maintain this for 12-24 hours, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface for a clearer result.
Stir occasionally to ensure even heat distribution, and consider using a slow cooker for convenience if you’re preparing larger batches; set it to low for the same duration. As it simmers, the kitchen fills with an earthy, comforting aroma of roasted vegetables and herbs, signaling the extraction of vital nutrients like collagen, gelatin, and minerals that support joint health and immune function in line with Weston Price recipes.
Assembling and Serving
Finally, we assemble the finished broth by straining and portioning it for immediate enjoyment or storage. Carefully remove the pot from heat and use a fine-mesh strainer to filter the liquid into a large bowl or another pot, discarding the solids to yield a clear, golden broth—expect about 6-8 cups from this recipe, depending on evaporation.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then ladle the hot broth into mugs or bowls for serving. For a complete meal, we recommend pairing it with a simple salad or whole-grain bread; store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months, preserving its rich, savory essence that nourishes both body and soul.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To align with Weston Price principles, we often prepare nutrient-dense bone broth in advance, allowing us to preserve its rich flavors and vital nutrients like collagen and minerals for easy integration into our daily routines. This approach maximizes convenience without compromising the health benefits of ancestral diets. Below, we outline the steps for making and storing bone broth ahead of time, ensuring it’s ready to enhance meals with its deep, savory essence.
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
We recommend prepping your ingredients the night before to streamline the process and enhance nutrient extraction. Here’s how:
- Gather and chop vegetables early: Wash and roughly chop onions, carrots, and celery into large pieces. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their fresh, crisp texture and natural sweetness, which will infuse the broth with subtle, earthy notes.
- Select and prepare bones: Choose grass-fed beef bones for optimal nutrition. Roast them at 400°F for 30 minutes to caramelize the surfaces and boost flavor depth. Let them cool completely before refrigerating in a sealed bag, preventing any loss of their rich, marrow-filled goodness.
- Measure seasonings and herbs: Combine aromatic herbs like bay leaves and thyme with seasonings such as sea salt in a small bowl. This step ensures quick assembly and helps release their fragrant oils, adding a robust, herbal aroma to the final broth.
Cooking and Cooling the Broth Ahead
Cooking the broth slowly allows for maximum extraction of nutrients, and preparing it in advance lets us capture that process efficiently.
- Assemble and simmer: In your large stock pot, combine the prepped bones, vegetables, apple cider vinegar, and filtered water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 12-24 hours. This low-and-slow method, core to Weston Price recipes, draws out gelatin and minerals, resulting in a broth with a velvety mouthfeel and profound umami taste.
- Monitor and strain: Periodically skim off any impurities to keep the broth clear and pure. Once done, strain through a fine-mesh strainer into heat-safe containers. Let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour to set the fats, making it easier to store while preserving its nourishing essence.
For those using a slow cooker or pressure cooker, adjust times as follows:
| Equipment | Cooking Time | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooker | 12-24 hours on low | Gentle heat for deeper flavor extraction and convenience overnight. |
| Pressure Cooker | 2-4 hours on high | Faster nutrient release while maintaining Weston Price quality. |
Storing and Reheating for Optimal Freshness
Proper storage extends the shelf life of your bone broth, keeping its vibrant flavors intact for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
- Refrigerate promptly: Transfer the cooled broth to glass jars or freezer-safe bags, leaving 1-2 inches of headspace for expansion. This prevents contamination and locks in the broth’s warm, comforting aroma.
- Freeze in portions: Divide into individual servings for quick use. We suggest using silicone molds for ice-cube trays of broth, which thaw rapidly and retain their nutrient density, making them ideal for soups or sauces.
- Reheat with care: When ready, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat to avoid degrading proteins. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, savoring the broth’s rich, gelatinous texture that embodies Weston Price nourishment.
By following these steps, we ensure our bone broth remains a staple in our Weston Price-inspired meals, providing sustained energy and health benefits with minimal effort.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored these Weston Price recipes with us. Embracing nutrient-rich, ancestral foods boosts our health and vitality in ways that’ll surprise you.
It’s easy to make these staples part of your routine, offering sustained energy and simple joy in every meal. Let’s keep nourishing our bodies—dive into more traditions and share your experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Weston Price diet?
The Weston Price diet focuses on traditional, nutrient-rich foods based on Dr. Weston Price’s research. It emphasizes whole foods from ancestral diets, like grass-fed meats and organic produce, to promote health and vitality. This approach avoids processed foods and prioritizes natural sourcing for better nutrition.
How do I make nutrient-dense bone broth?
Start with high-quality bones from grass-fed animals and fresh vegetables. Prepare by roasting bones, then simmer in a stock pot with water, vinegar, and herbs for 12-24 hours on low heat. This extracts collagen and minerals. Strain, cool, and store for a nourishing base in meals, following Weston Price principles.
What ingredients are needed for bone broth?
Key ingredients include grass-fed beef or chicken bones, organic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, apple cider vinegar for mineral extraction, and herbs like bay leaves. Use filtered water and optional additions like garlic for flavor. Focus on quality sources to align with Weston Price’s nutrient-dense guidelines.
What equipment is required to prepare bone broth?
Essential equipment includes a large stock pot, fine-mesh strainer, and a chef’s knife for prep. A slow cooker or pressure cooker is optional for convenience. These tools help in slow simmering to maximize nutrient extraction while keeping preparation simple and effective.
Can I make bone broth ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients the night before by chopping vegetables, roasting bones, and measuring seasonings. Cook using a low-and-slow method as per Weston Price principles. This allows for easy batch preparation, saving time while preserving nutrients for healthy, convenient meals.
How should I store and reheat bone broth?
Store freshly made broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in portions for up to 6 months to maintain freshness. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve flavor and nutrients. Always use airtight containers to prevent contamination, ensuring it stays a staple in your diet.
What are the health benefits of Weston Price recipes?
Weston Price recipes promote health by providing vital nutrients like collagen, minerals, and vitamins from whole foods. They support gut health, boost immunity, and enhance vitality through traditional preparation methods. Regular consumption can lead to improved energy and overall well-being with minimal processed ingredients.