homemade chicken broth

ingredients for a store bought chicken broth.  complete with msg, caramel color, sugar, and god knows what else.  i did not purchase this by the way.

 

i've seen a few articles that claim you can feed your family organic for the same price you can feed your family trash.  as a mom who feeds my family exclusively organic, i can tell you: this is a lie.  in order for us to maintain our standard of organic fare without giving up electricity or the internet, i have learned to buy in bulk when on sale and to waste nothing.

 

 

an easy example is the chicken.  i purchased several free range/no hormones/no steroids/lived a good life on a farm chickens for a reasonable price.  some will be cut, repackaged, and frozen for grill use and some will be kept whole.  i start with the first meal which will be a whole roast chicken/mashed potatoes/homemade gravy/veggie type meal.  i really should have taken a before shot of my roast chicken because it was quite beautiful.  now, i will make broth and then a quick soup to either eaten right away or frozen for later for the second meal. 

 

pull chicken off the carcass.  set meat aside for subsequent meals/soups because you want the carcass for the broth. 

 

 

 

 

 

throw the carcass in a pot of water.  you want to cover the carcass in water by several inches.  then i add whatever vegetables or herbs i have hanging out in the fridge.  some examples: garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, celery, carrots, onions.   this is a great use for the tops of celery that you never know what to do with.  next we bring this to a boil, then reduce to a very slight simmer.  simmer, uncover for about 4 hours.

strain and pour the broth in a bowl and refrigerate overnight.  in the morning a jello-like goo will be on top.  this is the fat and can be removed with a spoon and discarded.  unless you can think of something thrifty to do with chicken fat.

 

 

 

 

you will have a healthy, homemade, golden broth.  you can freeze, if not planning on using right away.  in my case, i have plans for a mexican flavored chicken soup.

chicken tortilla soup

much like the broth, this soup will contain whatever i have in my cupboards or refrigerator.  tomatoes, chili beans, black beans, corn, red and green pepper, onions, jalapenos, etc. 

 

 

 

chop and saute your veggies in whatever you like to saute in.  in this case, i used a little butter.  real butter, of course, margarine has always scared me a little.  once your onions are looking clear let's add the canned vegetables.  drain and rinse the corn and black beans.  i throw in the tomato juice. 

 

 

add your homemade broth and left over chicken and seasonings.  i love cumin, chili powder, salt, and a pinch of cayenne.  season to your liking and simmer just a bit.  add a little cheese, chopped cilantro, dollop of sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips and you have a meal.