LEMON AND HERB BONE BROTH

LEMON AND HERB BONE BROTH

Lemon and herb bone broth is a light and refreshing twist on traditional bone broth, designed to deliver both comfort and vitality. Built on a gentle chicken bone broth base, it gains vibrancy from freshly squeezed lemon juice, which brightens the flavour and boosts vitamin C content. Fresh dill and parsley provide delicate herbal undertones and antioxidant properties, while diced courgette contributes fibre and texture without weighing the broth down. This soothing broth supports the digestive system, hydration and inflammation reduction, making it a perfect choice during flu season, after a workout or when a lighter meal is preferred. The balance of citrus and herbs with collagen-rich broth creates a rejuvenating flavour that feels nourishing yet energising. Lemon and herb bone broth is quick to prepare, easy for beginners and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with protein or grains for a fuller meal.

RECIPE CATEGORY

Lunch

SERVING SIZE

1

CUISINE

Mediterranean

PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES

Simmer

OCCASION/HOLIDAY

Spring

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS

Low Fat

DISH TYPE

Soup / Stew

INGREDIENTS

There are the following ingredients for  Lemon And Herb Bone Broth:

• 200 grams | 7.05 ounces | 1 chicken drumstick with bone
• 500 millilitres | 16.91 fluid ounces | 2 cups water
• 15 millilitres | 0.51 fluid ounces | 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 2 grams | 0.07 ounces | 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1 gram | 0.04 ounces | ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 5 grams | 0.05 ounces | ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 5 grams | 0.02 ounces | ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Calories: 11.3 kilocalories
• Fat: 0.2 gram
• Carbohydrate: 2.4 grams
• Sugar: 1.3 grams
• Sodium: 39.4 milligrams
• Protein: 0.5 gram
• Calcium: 16.8 milligrams
• Iron: 0.3 milligram
• Potassium: 116.1 milligrams
• Fibre: 0.5 gram

PREPARATION

• Prepare The Chicken: Rinse the chicken drumstick under cold running water, then pat dry with a paper towel. This ensures a clean base for the broth.
• Start The Broth: Place the drumstick into a medium saucepan with 500 millilitres (2 cups) of water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
• Simmer Gently: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This helps create a clear broth and allows collagen to be released.
• Add Flavour: Stir in the dried thyme, parsley, sea salt and black pepper. Simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes so the herbs infuse the broth with aroma.
• Shred The Chicken: Remove the drumstick, allow it to cool slightly, then take off the skin and bone. Shred the meat with a fork and return it to the saucepan.
• Finish With Lemon: Turn off the heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice. Adding it off-heat preserves its bright flavour and vitamin C content.
• Taste And Adjust: Check seasoning. Add more salt for depth or an extra squeeze of lemon for freshness.
• Serve Warm: Ladle into a bowl and garnish with extra parsley if desired and enjoy immediately.

PREPARATION TIME

5 minutes

COOKING TIME

30 minutes

TIPS

• Add Lemon Last: Adding juice off heat preserves flavour and vitamin C in lemon and herb bone broth.
• Fresh Herbs Are Best: Freshly chopped dill and parsley release essential oils that elevate the flavour.
• Choose Young Courgettes: Smaller courgettes tend to be sweeter and more tender.
• Boost Texture: Add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds just before serving for crunch.
• Low Sodium Option: Choose unsalted broth and season with herbs or a pinch of chilli flakes.

VARIATIONS

• Vegan Version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable stock and add cooked beans for plant-based protein.
• Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken or tofu cubes to make the broth more filling.
• Leafy Greens: Add spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking for extra vitamins and colour.
• Grain Addition: Mix in cooked quinoa, rice or orzo for a balanced, more substantial meal.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add oregano or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavour depth.

PREPPING AND STORAGE

• Refrigerator Storage: Cool completely and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer Storage: For best results, freeze without herbs or lemon juice. Add them fresh when reheating. Keeps up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat. Stir well and avoid boiling once the lemon is added.