Here at The Food Doula, bone broth is something we come back to time and time again - and for good reason. It is one of the most deeply nourishing things you can make, rich in collagen, minerals, and gut-healing goodness. But we also know that some people choose to eat plant-based, or simply want an alternative on certain days.
The good news? Whether you are working with - bone broth or a plant-based base, the additions below work beautifully in both. These are our favourite ingredients for seriously upping the nutrient density of your broth - whatever kind you are making.
Our nourishment principles are steeped in the wisdom of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and some of the ingredients below are revered within these ancient traditions - botanicals with benefits!
Start With a Solid Broth base (meat or plant).
Read our full plant based broth recipe here.
10 Unexpected Additions for Maximum Nourishment
1. Seaweed
Rich in minerals and vitamins, seaweed brings a depth of flavour and a serious nutritional boost that most broths are missing. I opt for dried kombu or kelp.
2. Goji Berries
High in antioxidants, supportive of blood sugar balance, and a good source of iron. An unexpected addition that earns its place. Goji, Jujube and Ginger combined, either in a broth or tea in Traditional Chinese Medicine is used to nourish the body, enhance immunity, and improve circulation.
3. Shiitake Mushrooms
A powerful ally for immune system function. Shiitake add an earthy umami quality and are well worth keeping in your pantry dried or get hold of them fresh in many food shops now.
4. Avocado Skin
Often discarded without a second thought - but simmering avocado skin into your broth is a simple way to release healthy fats into the liquid. Make sure to wash the outside skin first if doing this.
5. Black Sesame Seeds
Blood-nourishing and mineral-rich. A small addition with a quietly impressive nutritional profile. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they are prized for nourishing the kidneys and liver—the roots of your body's energy They act as a powerful Jing (essence) tonic, supporting reproductive health and slowing aging.
6. Sweet Potato
A grounding root vegetable that brings complex carbohydrates and plant protein to your broth. After straining, the cooked sweet potato can be puréed into porridge, soups or sauces — nothing wasted.
7. Nettle & Cleavers
These 'weeds' are two of the most cleansing and nourishing plants you can find. If they're in season where you are, gather them, wash them and get them in the pot. You can also add these as dried herbs, either loose or pop in a herb/ teabag ad add to broth then remove.
8. Red Dates (Jujube)
A staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine, red dates are deeply nourishing for the blood, supportive of energy levels, and naturally sweet - making them a wonderful addition to both sweet and savoury broths. Available to buy on the website here.
9. Beetroot
This is considered to be a potent blood nourisher! A wonderfully supportive food for iron building, gives an earthy flavour and vibrant colour as you can imagine! After straining this can be pureed into soup also or kept to have with eggs in the morning.
10. Fresh Turmeric Root
An anti-inflammatory, immunity-supporting powerhouse. Fresh root is far more potent than the dried powder - if you can get hold of it, use it.
A Note on Waste
Once you've strained your broth, don't throw away the solids. The cooked sweet potato, beetroot, carrots, celery, onion, garlic (if used in your base) can be repurposed across other meals, eg: blend beautifully into a soup with your favourite spices. Waste as little as possible - it all has more life in it yet.
0 comments