Leah’s healing bone broth

‘When one’s immune and digestive systems aren’t optimal, bone broth rich in collagen and immune-stimulating properties are vital to heal the digestive system to assist in absorption of nutrients. Clinically, I find chicken bone broth — especially from Sommerlad chickens — is my number one strategy for patients to heal their digestive system and repair their body on the path to wellness. If they’re recovering from an infection, depleted, burnt out or have systemic inflammation, it’s my go-to food. Couple this with some slow-cooked lamb, ghee, and mild ingredients, and it’s one of the gentlest and most rebuilding recipes I give my patients.’

Leah Hechtman, retail customer

Feeds: 4–6 | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 18–24 hours
Special equipment: A large stainless steel saucepan — slow-cookers, pressure-cookers or enamel pots do not extract the same fat and collagen content from the carcasses

2–3 Sommerlad chicken carcasses with legs (optional), skin removed

Pure spring or filtered water

Place carcasses in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to as low as it will go, and simmer, skimming any scum that rises to the surface, for 18–24 hours until there’s a glossy sheen on top.

Remove carcasses, then strain broth through a fine sieve. When cooled it should be a gelatinous texture. (Do not remove the white fat layer — this is the most important part of the broth.) Store in small glass containers and refrigerate or freeze to use as needed. Broth will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.