10/17/2022
Did you know giving your babes, bone marrow is such an amazing superfood for them?
It's a nutrient dense powerhouse of a food. Full of good fats, iron and zinc.
"Bone marrow, is found inside the bones and contain stems cells that develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, which are involved in oxygen transportation, immune function, and blood clotting. "
-Milk to meals, page 137
A wonderful supporter, shared with us her babe enjoying some delicious marrow from our beef bones and a recipe!
"Insta pot beef pho broth:
Pho (pronounced fuh) is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with a broth base of beef bones, warming spices, onion, fish sauce, salt and sometimes sugar. At least, that’s what I discovered when researching the recipes. Various meats is then added to the broth (e.g. tripe, brisket, meatballs, chicken, etc) and served with rice vermicelli noodles (reminder to rinse those noodles when they’re done cooking), basil, lime wedges, bean sprouts and jalapeño. tables are typically dressed with plastic soup spoons, chopsticks, Sriracha sauce, fish sauce and sometimes a variety of hoisin sauce. The pho scene in North Idaho is lacking and when my child woke up sniffly and tired, he requested bone broth…for breakfast. I had recently received marrow bones from Ranch that were defrosted in the fridge for this very purpose so timing was perfect.
Using various recipes for reference, I set out to make my first batch of pho broth. I had most of the items but made substitutions when necessary and added some steps. I recalled Anthony Bordain’s “No Reservation” episode on his Vietnam visit and took notes from my recollection.
First step was to roast the marrow bones. This is suggested in most bone broth recipes to remove the acrid flavor and add depth to the broth.
Preheat oven to 425 Line a baking sheet with foil Rinse the bones in cold water and pat dry Sprinkle salt and pepper onto bones Put in hot oven for about 10-15 minutes until lightly browned
Next I turned my Instapot on Sauté and added the warming spices. I happened to have these unique items in my cupboard from Ayurvedic cooking and realize this may not be the norm to have in your pantry. I suggest looking at your local organic food co-op or ordering online through Mountain Rose Herbs or Azure Standard. I did not, however, have whole cloves so added a couple dashes of ground clove to the mixture AFTER onion was added so not to burn the spice.
Put Instapot on Sauté Add the following spices: large cinnamon stick (or two smaller chunks), 4-6 whole cardamom pods, 1-2 star anise and 3-5 whole cloves (if only have ground clove, then wait after toasting whole spices) Stir spices for 3-5 minutes until fragrant Add large onion- chopped into quarters leaving skin on Add 4” piece of fresh ginger-halved and can leave skin on Sauté and Stir for another 5 minutes (add ground clove here if didn’t have whole clove) If you want to add the extra step of roasting the vegetables in the oven with the bones, that, I hear, can add more of that roasted flavor. I have yet to try this but will be trying next time!
After onion and spice mixture has lightly browned, add the roasted bones, about 9 cups of water, about a teaspoon of sea salt and a fresh crisp apple (quartered with skin on) to the pot. Set to Manual for 30 minutes Enjoy the aroma Allow pressure to naturally release I like to get a large pot into the sink with a fine mesh colander placed over it and pour the broth mixture into the colander and then scoop out the marrow from the bones once cooked enough to do so. I then discard the bones and remaining ingredients. Recipe suggest skimming the 2/3rds of the fat off the top but I like to leave it as is. We then allow to cool in mugs and drink. Of course, you could get the accompanying ingredients and make your own pho noodle soup. Broth stays good in fridge for about three days (if it lasts that long)."
◦ We then ladle the broth into mugs and allow to cool and drink. Of course, you could get the accompanying ingredients and make your own pho noodle soup.
