What is bone broth?

Bone broth is basically just a type of turkey stock. It is cooked for a long enough time that the collagen in the bones breaks down into the broth, which is what gives the turkey broth it's gelatinous texture when chilled.

Bone broth is rich in gelatin and is much thicker than your typically broth, which is usually made with more meat. I think it works so much better in soups and stews.

And you can use bone broth in place of regulars broth or stock in any recipe that calls for it, like this wonton noodle soup. It'll add an extra deep flavor and richness to the recipe!

Why this instant pot turkey bone broth recipe works

• It's ultra simple to make bone broth in the instant pot, using the instant pot "set it and forget it" method. It can also be made on the stovetop or in the slow cooker (directions below).
• It's a great way to use leftover turkey bones and vegetables scraps (optional), especially around the holidays.
• It is packed full of healthy nutrients!
• It's perfect to use in turkey soup recipes like this turkey lentil soup, or just served warm in a mug for sipping.

The ingredients to make turkey bone broth

Really, the main ingredient for this making your turkey bone broth is turkey bones. Like I stated above, the Thanksgiving turkey carcass is the best to use for this recipe. You may need to break it done into smaller pieces to fit in the Instant Pot.

You can also change this recipe to use beef, chicken or pork bones. Just make sure you don't use beef marrow bones as they contain no meat and the marrow basically becomes liquefied fat when cooked. If you have beef marrow bones, you can make this roasted bone marrow, spoon the marrow out, then use the bones to make broth.

Variations

While this broth is typically made with just turkey bones and water, feel free to add other ingredients for some extra flavor:

• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or sage
• Aromatics like a quartered onion, fresh garlic cloves, green onions, leeks and/or ginger
• Root vegetables like carrots, celery, and fennel
• Whole peppercorns (black, red, green, white etc.)
• White wine or other type of wine for acidity and flavor
• You can add apple cider vinegar (1-2 teaspoons) when making your broth, but I have found that it doesn't really make a difference to how the bones break down

Step by step instructions

Step 1: Add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot or pressure cooker and cover with water. Keep water about 2" below the max fill line (maximum) of a 6 quart instant pot.

Step 2: Pressure cook on high pressure for 120 minutes. Allow the pressure release naturally.

Step 3: Strain the broth through a sieve or a very finely woven strainer. Strain broth twice if you want it super clear.

Step 4: Place in the fridge overnight, then skim the excess fat off the next morning (optional).

Note the gelatinous texture of the broth - it may look gross, but this is what makes it so tasty and good for you.

It's that easy guys. Now you have this delicious rich, golden homemade broth that can be drank straight with some salt, or used in dishes like this turkey lentil soup or instant pot turkey chili.

Expert tips to make bone broth

1. I use a 6 quart Instant Pot, but the 8 quart can be used as well. Follow the same instructions. The water should cover the bones plus a couple inches, if you have room. **I have read that there could possibly be a safety issue with filling the Instant Pot to the max fill line with liquid. I have not personally had any issues, but just to be safe I recommend filling 2″ below the max fill line.
2. I do not add any salt to the bone broth. You are welcome to salt yours, but I prefer to do it after the fact. If you do choose to add salt, add it after the broth has cooked.
3. For a completely smooth bone broth, strain through a sieve. You can strain it more than once if necessary.
4. Scraping the fat off the top once it has chilled in the fridge overnight is optional.
5. Store the broth in large canning jars or other airtight containers for ease. Mason jars can be stored in the freezer as long as there is 1-2" space left at the top.
6. You can also make this on the stovetop. in a large pot, cover the bones with water (about 1-2" above the bones) and simmer on low to medium-low heat for 4-6 hours.
7. If making on the stove top, let it simmer, not a boil, to ensure the broth stays clear.
8. To make it in the slow cooker, use enough water to cover the bones (about 1-2 inches above the bones) and cook on low heat for 8 to 12 hours.

How to use turkey bone broth

There are so many ways to use turkey bone broth. It can be used in soups (turkey noodle soup is delicious), stews, as a flavoring agent for cooking, or it can be used for drinking. It is great used to make this smoked turkey gravy.

Homemade turkey broth can be used in place of chicken broth or stock in any recipe that calls for it. Turkey does have a slightly stronger flavor than chicken, so just note that when using it in your recipes.

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