Bison Bone Broth Soup Recipe

When you think of hearty, nutritious meals that not only satisfy your hunger but also nourish your body, bone broth soups stand out as one of the best options. And when you elevate the standard bone broth with bison bones, you’re creating a rich, flavorful, and incredibly nutritious experience. This bison bone broth soup is an excellent way to get the goodness of collagen, protein, and essential minerals-all simmered into a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for sipping or serving with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a detailed recipe for Bison Bone Broth Soup, with tips on how to make it even better and variations to keep it interesting. From the ingredients to expert tips, we’ll cover everything you need to know about creating this delicious, nourishing soup. Let’s dive in!

Bison Bone Broth Soup Recipe

This recipe is designed to be a simple yet robust way to make a deeply nourishing bison bone broth soup. The key is slow-simmering bison bones to extract all of the nutrients and collagen, making a rich broth that serves as the foundation for the soup. Then, we build on that with vegetables and seasonings, giving you a full meal in a bowl.

Ingredients Needed

For the bison bone broth:

• 2-3 pounds bison bones (try to get marrow bones, knuckle bones, or neck bones for maximum flavor and nutrition)
• 1 medium onion, halved
• 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
• 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (this helps to extract minerals from the bones)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Water (enough to cover the bones in the pot, around 10-12 cups)

For the soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced thin
• 2 celery stalks, sliced thin
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1-2 cups cooked vegetables or greens (such as spinach, kale, or peas)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Bone Broth

   • Start by placing your bison bones in a large stockpot. Add enough water to cover the bones by about 2 inches.
   • Add apple cider vinegar, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt to the pot.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 4-6 hours. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for 12-18 hours for an even richer flavor.
   • After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids. Set aside.

2. Make The Soup

   • In a separate pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
   • Pour in the prepared bison bone broth and bring it to a simmer.
   • Add zucchini, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Simmer for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to fully cook and soften.
   • Stir in any greens or cooked vegetables if desired, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

3. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with crusty bread for an extra treat!

Ingredient Insights

• Bison Bones: Rich in collagen, gelatin, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, bison bones are the heart of this recipe. Unlike chicken or beef bones, bison bones provide a more complex, gamey flavor and are packed with nutrients. They’re often more sustainable and humane compared to factory-farmed meat.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient is a crucial part of extracting the maximum nutrients from the bones. The acidity of vinegar helps break down the collagen and minerals in the bones, making them more accessible to your body.
• Herbs and Vegetables: The vegetables, like carrots, celery, and onions, provide foundational flavor while adding their own nutrients to the mix. The herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano not only enhance the aroma and taste of the soup but also provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Expert Tips

• Skimming the Broth: As the broth simmers, you may notice some impurities or foam rise to the surface. Skimming this off ensures a clearer broth and improves the flavor.
• Longer Simmer Time = More Flavor: While you can cook the broth for a minimum of 4 hours, the longer you cook it, the richer and more nutrient-dense it becomes. If you have the time, aim for 6-8 hours of simmering.
• Roast the Bones First: For an extra layer of depth, roast your bison bones in the oven at 400°F for about 30 minutes before simmering. This adds a caramelized flavor that can elevate the taste of your broth.
• Add Acid: If you want to brighten the flavor of the soup, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can add a refreshing burst.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: If you want to make a vegetarian bone broth soup, you can substitute bison bones with mushrooms (like shiitake or portobello) to create a rich umami broth. Add seaweed for an additional mineral boost.
• Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeño slices to the broth for a spicy kick. You could also incorporate smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
• Grain Options: To make the soup more filling, add some quinoa, barley, or farro. These grains absorb the broth and add texture, turning the soup into a more substantial meal.
• Meat Lover’s Twist: You can also add small chunks of bison meat or even other game meats, like venison, into the soup for a meaty, hearty experience.

Final Words

This Bison Bone Broth Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a nourishing, comforting experience. The combination of bison bones with fresh vegetables and herbs creates a broth that’s rich, flavorful, and packed with health benefits. From boosting your immune system with its collagen and gelatin content to providing essential vitamins and minerals, this soup can be a regular addition to your culinary repertoire, especially during colder months or when you need a pick-me-up.