Step 1

First, to make short-cook Meat Stock: Place water in pot. Add bones and sea salt.*Crock Pot or Stove Top: Set timer so broth will simmer 2 to 2-1/2 hours; depending on how long it takes for slow cooker or pot to come to a simmer; set the time accordingly, about 3 to 3-1/2 hours.*Instant Pot: Place lid with rubber ring securely into place. Turn steam valve to closed position. Choose "Soup" setting of 30 minutes. When timer goes off, allow pressure to release naturally for 1 hour. Then place dish towel or hot pad over steam valve and open it carefully to release any remaining steam.

Step 2

Two options for harvesting fat and meat stock: Option 1, use a ladle or metal spoon to ladle all the fat off the top of meat stock. Save this fat for another use. Option 2, when meat stock and pot are cool enough to handle, pour the entire contents of pot (fat and stock) through a fine mesh sieve into storage jars, reserving the bones.

Step 3

You now have either a pot with stock (almost no fat) and bones. OR you have an empty pot. The first option will give you less overall stock and broth in the end, but all the nutrients will be concentrated into one bone broth. *The second option will give you two batches: one, a meat stock that's high in fat and gelatin, rich and flavorful. And two, a bone broth without fat but higher in protein and collagen. *Both variations are good and just a matter of preference. Most importantly, we aren't allowing the fat to have a long cooking time, during which time it becomes rancid and bad-tasting.

Step 4

Option 1 — The fat is now removed. Continue cooking the broth now, to extract the collagen and protein from the bones with the longer cooking time.*Crock Pot or Stove Top: Cook broth an additional 24-72 hours.*Instant Pot: Reseal lid. Turn steam valve to closed position. Choose "Manual" button, then "-" button to set time at 120 minutes. When timer goes off, allow pressure to release naturally for 1 hour minimum. Then place dish towel or hot pad over steam valve and open it carefully to release any remaining steam. Strain and store in fridge until ready to use.

Step 5

Option 2 — Return bones to pot. Add 2 Tablespoons additional sea salt and 10 cups additional filtered water.*Crock Pot or Stove Top: Cook broth an additional 24-72 hours.*Instant Pot: Reseal lid. Turn steam valve to closed position. Choose "Manual" button, then "-" button to set time at 120 minutes. When timer goes off, allow pressure to release naturally for 1 hour minimum. Then place dish towel or hot pad over steam valve and open it carefully to release any remaining steam. Strain and store in fridge until ready to use.