5 Reasons (with 5 Recipes) to Have Broth for Breakfast (2024)

Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • 1. Broth for breakfast is great when you’re in a rush
  • 2. Broth for breakfast is light yet nourishing
  • 3. You can still have eggs!+
    • Basic Eggs in Broth
    • Basic Eggs in Broth, Asian-style
    • Eggs in a Tomato-Basil Broth with Sausage
  • 4. You can still have oatmeal!+
    • Savory Oatmeal with a Fried Egg and Sriracha
    • Savory Oatmeal with Peas and Peanuts
  • 5. It’s cold outside
  • Get More Broth for Breakfast Recipes!

Breakfast broth is rapidly gaining in popularity as a healthy option for a morning meal. The reasons for its benefits are simple and so are the recipes for making it!

5 Reasons (with 5 Recipes) to Have Broth for Breakfast (1)

One of my challenges as a Nutritional Therapist is getting people to think outside the box for what they can have for each meal of the day. Homemade broth for breakfast certainly fits the bill.

This is especially important if we’re removing things like gluten or grains for a while. Because outside of eggs, there’s not a whole lot left, at least in the standard American breakfast landscape of cereals, muffins, croissants, pancakes, waffles, and bagels.

Also, keep in mind that although broth for breakfast isn’t common in America, it is in many other places around the world, especially Asia.

When I traveled to Burma, I started every morning with a fish-broth based noodle soup called mohinga (trust me, it tastes better than it sounds). And when I was in Thailand, I often had a light breakfast of rice in broth (known as a “congee”) with different herbs and seasonings.

Since then, broth for breakfast has become a standard part of my breakfast repertoire, especially in the colder months.

But even if you’re not traveling to Asia or going grain-free anytime soon, here are four good reasons to consider broth for breakfast:

1. Broth for breakfast is great when you’re in a rush

Warm up some broth on the stove. Add in whatever you want – some greens, some chopped garlic, poached some eggs in there, maybe throw in some leftover chicken or sausage, spice it up with salt and pepper or soy sauce. Boom. Breakfast is ready in five minutes.

2. Broth for breakfast is light yet nourishing

As a Nutritional Therapist, I hear this all the time: “But I’m not hungry in the morning.” Many people don’t do well with heavier protein-based breakfasts for many reasons. They often skip breakfast as a result but regret it a few hours later when they’re starving at work and have nothing prepared.

If you’re one of those people who get nauseous at the thought of eggs and bacon in the morning, consider having broths for breakfast instead. They’re easily digestible and won’t make you feel bloated. But if you’re like me and need a bit more protein…

3. You can still have eggs!

Broths don’t have to be light. If you’re one of those that thrive on heartier breakfasts, broths can still do the trick. Adding a good protein and some starch like rice or potatoes can make for a very filling meal. And the easiest way to add some quick protein is to add some eggs. They work well in almost any broth. You can poach ’em right in the broth and they’ll cook in just a few minutes.

So on that note, here are a few super simple broth for breakfast recipes with eggs:

Basic Eggs in Broth

Ingredients

  • 1-2 cups broth of choice – chicken, beef, fish, pork, etc.
  • 1-2 eggs
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Several sprigs parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Bring broth to a simmer.

2. Add in eggs and simmer a few minutes until whites are cooked but yolks are still soft and runny.

3. Top with parmesan cheese, parsley and salt, and pepper, to taste.

Basic Eggs in Broth, Asian-style

Ingredients

  • 1-2 cups broth of choice
  • 1-2 eggs
  • 1 or 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, chopped
  • Kale, chopped
  • Soy sauce or fish sauce, to taste

Directions

1. Bring broth to a simmer and add in ginger, garlic and simmer a few minutes, longer if you have time, to further infuse garlic and ginger flavor.

2. Add in eggs and kale and simmer a few minutes until eggs are cooked and kale is thoroughly wilted.

3. Season to taste with soy sauce or fish sauce.

Eggs in a Tomato-Basil Broth with Sausage

Ingredients

  • 1-2 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1-2 eggs
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • ¼ – ½ link sausage, crumbled or chopped into rounds
  • 3-4 basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Bring broth to simmer. Remove about a ½ cup to a bowl, mix in tomato paste and return to the broth, thoroughly mixing. Add a little more or less tomato paste, to your liking.

2. Add sausage and cook for about a minute. Alternatively, if you have time, saute the sausage separately in oil for more flavor and then add it to the broth at the end. Add in eggs and poach a few minutes.

3. Top with basil and season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. You can still have oatmeal!

The first time I heard about savory oatmeal in bone broth I thought, “Bone broth? In oatmeal? Dear God…NO!”

After all, oatmeal is supposed to be sweet. Everyone knows that. Like the sky is up. Like dogs are better than cats (sorry cat lovers but it’s a fact). And like bacon is the greatest food ever. It’s just a law of Nature.

Then again, who would’ve thought butter and coconut oil go so well in coffee?!

Well, the same goes for savory oatmeal. The first time I tried it,I was hooked.

Here’s the basic 3-step formula:

1. Soak one part oatmeal to two parts warm water overnight. Add 1 teaspoon whey, yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice. This will make the oatmeal more digestible and it will also cook up very quickly.

2. Drain water and add chicken or beef bone broth and a chopped clove of garlic and simmer for about five minutes.

3. Season to taste with salt or soy sauce and any type of hot sauce you like.

You can liven things up by adding all sorts of veggies, herbs, spices, and even nuts and different meats. And eggs ALWAYS work well. Add a hard-boiled egg, top with a fried egg or poach an egg in the broth while simmering.

Here are two ridiculously simple savory oatmeal recipes:

Savory Oatmeal with a Fried Egg and Sriracha

Directions:

Once oatmeal is done simmering, add a dollop of Worcestershire sauce and top with a fried egg (or two) and sriracha.

Boom. Done.

Add some chopped chilies for some extra spiciness. Alternatively, exclude the sriracha if you’re not a fan of spiciness.

Savory Oatmeal with Peas and Peanuts

Another common Burmese breakfast is a simple plate of boiled rice with peas and peanuts. Sounds a bit dull, I know, but for whatever reason, peas and peanuts complement each other beautifully.

Directions:

Add frozen peas to simmering oatmeal or fresh peas towards the end. Top with peanuts. Season to taste with salt or soy sauce.

Boom. Done!

Note: A drizzle of unrefined sesame oil and a pinch of sea salt rounds this out into pea-nutty perfection.

5. It’s cold outside

What sounds like a better way to start out your day on a bone-chillingly cold winter morning? Cold breakfast cereal or a steaming bowl of nourishing broth?

I rest my case.

Get More Broth for Breakfast Recipes!

The recipes above are just a small sample of the broth for breakfast recipes in my new book, Fearless Broths and Soups: Ditch the Boxes and Cans with 60 Simple Recipes for Real People on Real Budgets.

5 Reasons (with 5 Recipes) to Have Broth for Breakfast (2)

But there’s a lot more to it than just broth for breakfast.

It also includes chapters on:

  • How to make basic bone broths in 5 simple steps
  • How to make broth-based soups in 3 simple steps
  • Asian Noodle soups including Thai, Vietnamese and Burmese-inspired recipes
  • Creamy Vegetable soups including Sweet Potato Coconut Curry and Creamy Carrot-Apple with freshly ground cinnamon
  • Soups from the Sea including Cioppino, Clam Chowder, and Bouillabaisse
  • Simple Sausage and Meatball soups including Italian Meatball and Portuguese Kale
  • Lots more!

Just like the broth for breakfast recipes above, all of the recipes emphasize simplicity. They’re geared to all you stressed out moms and dads, workaholics and non-cooks trying to figure out how to eat well with limited funds and time.

And these days, that’s just about everyone.

5 Reasons (with 5 Recipes) to Have Broth for Breakfast (3)
5 Reasons (with 5 Recipes) to Have Broth for Breakfast (2024)

FAQs

What are the benefits of drinking broth for breakfast? ›

Drinking bone broth in the morning eases your digestive system into action, providing bioavailable, easily digested essential nutrients, making it the ideal choice for your daily ritual for gut health.

What are the benefits of homemade broth? ›

Health benefits of bone broth include:
  • Better hydration. The high water content in bone broth helps you stay hydrated. ...
  • Improved sleep. Bone broth contains small amounts of the amino acid glycine, which may promote relaxation and deeper, more restorative sleep.
  • Collagen boost.
Oct 31, 2023

Is chicken broth a good breakfast? ›

May aid in weight loss: Broth is low in calories and high in protein, making it a good option for those looking to lose weight. May improve skin, hair and nail health: Collagen and gelatin in broth are beneficial for skin, hair, and nail health.

Why is it good to drink broth? ›

It may support the joints and digestive system and help with weight management, among other benefits. The bones and tissues of many types of animal may make good bone broth, including cow, chicken, and even fish bones. Bone broth can provide important nutrients, especially minerals, derived from these tissues.

Is broth good to eat? ›

The Bottom Line. Consider incorporating bone broth into your regular routine for its many benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved bone health, better joint support and a healthier gut.

Does broth have health benefits? ›

Bone broth is often celebrated for its ability to promote a healthy gut microbiome, improve joint pain, and support skin health. While bone broth contains protein-rich collagen and healthy minerals, it's not a magic bullet on its own.

Is it good to drink broth daily? ›

It contains gelatin (an amazing nutrient that heals and soothes the gut lining) as well as amino acids like glutamine, glycine, and proline. If you're working to improve your gut health, we'd recommend drinking at least 3 cups of broth a day, ideally with the first being on an empty stomach in the morning.

Can I drink broth everyday? ›

Bone broth is generally safe to drink every day if consumed in moderation and as part of a nutritious, omnivorous diet, says Millstine. If you have any food allergies, always check the label.

Can you drink straight broth? ›

A cup of bone broth is an ideal way to refresh your body and mind, and it only takes a few minutes to heat. Intentionally enjoy warm sips as you do a quick meditation or step outside for some fresh air.

Can I drink broth before bed? ›

It has a calming effect on the brain and nervous system, which can help reduce anxiety and prepare your body for restful sleep. Consuming glycine-rich foods like bone broth before bedtime can lead to a more tranquil and restorative sleep.

Is broth good before bed? ›

Yes, bone broth can improve sleep quality. The amino acids found in bone broth, such as glycine, have been shown to have a calming effect on the body, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Bone broth is also a rich source of magnesium, which is essential for regulating sleep and reducing stress.

Is 10 too late to eat breakfast? ›

A fast metabolism rate means your body will effortlessly break down food to release energy and utilize that energy to keep you energized all day. The best time to have breakfast is between 7 AM and 8 AM. Under no circ*mstances must you delay your breakfast beyond 10 AM.

Is broth good for empty stomach? ›

If you're working to improve your gut health, we'd recommend drinking at least 3 cups of broth a day, ideally with the first being on an empty stomach in the morning. For hair, skin + nails: With its many benefits, collagen has gained increasing popularity in the past decade or so.

What happens when you drink broth everyday? ›

Considering it's one of the best sources of collagen protein along with other joint-supporting compounds, bone broth benefits include promoting joint comfort and mobility, skin health, healthy gut function and a healthy immune system.

What happens when you drink bone broth on an empty stomach? ›

Yes, it is very beneficial to drink bone broth on an empty stomach or during a fast because it has lots of gut healing nutrients and electrolytes for all day energy. Doing it before food enters your system kickstarts your digestive juices in your gut to better handle incoming food for the day.

How often should you drink bone broth in the morning? ›

We suggest drinking one to two cups of broth a day, in order to see and feel the best results. While bone broth is certainly a beverage to enjoy any time of day, there are some times better than others - in regard to nourishment - like first thing in the morning or after a workout class.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 5460

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.