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

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  • 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

Is broth good for breakfast? ›

The first benefit of bone broth in the morning will undoubtedly put a smile on your face, literally. Broth contains an amazing amino acid called glycine. Glycine has been shown to naturally increase our bodies' serotonin, which stabilises mood, wellbeing and all those general feelings of happiness.

Can soup be served for breakfast? ›

Soup is a great option for a small, satisfying breakfast because it is low in calories but still filling. Since you can easily load up your breakfast soup with healthy ingredients such as vegetables and lean proteins, you can stave off hunger while also sticking to your diet by starting your day with a bowl of soup.

What makes a broth good? ›

"If making homemade broth, it's a good idea to roast meat, bones, and vegetables before adding them to your pot of water. The browning of these ingredients gives depth, savoriness, and color to broths," Norton says. Plus, it's easy to roast all the soup broth components at once.

Is it normal to drink broth? ›

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. While bone broth is generally safe for most people, overconsumption may potentially expose you to unhealthy levels of toxic heavy metals.

Why do people drink broth in the morning? ›

Benefits of Drinking Bone Broth Before Breakfast & Coffee

Bone broth is the ideal drink to kick start any morning and start your daily gut health ritual as it eases your digestive system back into action and provides essential nutrients that will help you to feel soothed, satisfied, and incredibly righteous.

Why is broth good for you? ›

What are the benefits of bone broth? Bone broth contains bones, connective tissues, and minerals. 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.

Is it common to eat soup for breakfast? ›

Sure, soup may not be a typical morning meal in the U.S., but having it for breakfast can support your digestion, boost your energy levels, and increase your nutrient intake (with minimal effort). It's like the winter version of a green smoothie.

Is soup 5 a day? ›

Tinned and fresh ready-made soups might contain enough vegetables to count towards your 5-a-day, but it can be hard to know how much they really contain.

What country eats soup for breakfast? ›

Enter the breakfast soup. In countries like Vietnam, Colombia, Tunisia, and China, soup is ladled out by the bowlful to early morning crowds. These soups are made with staple ingredients like chickpeas, rice, or lentils.

Is broth a good snack? ›

"Homemade vegetarian or meat-based broths are very low glycemic, with no added sugar, low in calories, and a great way to get hydration," Dr. Means says. "As such, it can make for a great snack to tide you over between meals without an insulin spike that can lead to post-meal crashes in energy."

Why do we use broth? ›

Broth is thinner than stock and more flavorful than water. Therefore, it is most commonly used as a base for soups or as a cooking liquid. Here are some of the most common dishes broth is used in: Cream sauces.

Does broth taste good? ›

A great homemade broth is savory with the right amount of flavor from aromatics like onion, celery and herbs. Overall, the taste is balanced and not overwhelming—after all, broth is typically a base for soups, stews and other flavorful dishes.

Can you drink broth straight up? ›

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 you eat straight broth? ›

The most basic way to enjoy bone broth is to drink it straight up. Simply heat a mug of beef or chicken bone broth in the microwave and enjoy. For some, the salty, umami flavor of bone broth is an acquired taste. For others, it's love at first sip.

Is it safe to eat broth? ›

It depends on the broth and depends on your sensitivity to histamines which increase slightly as cooking continues. If you have anyone in your family who has a propensity towards hives, skin reactions and issues, hayfever or feeling 'wired', it's best to do short cook broths of 1-2 hours.

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.

Is chicken broth good in the morning? ›

First thing in the morning

It's also the perfect time to help heal the digestive tract and gut before you start eating. Your body is in need of constant care and detoxifying, which is why a cup of broth in the morning is a great idea.

Is broth a good meal replacement? ›

Manaker emphasizes that drinking bone broth is a good addition to an overall healthy diet—but should not be considered a meal replacement. “While bone broth can provide important nutrients, it doesn't have enough calories to be considered a meal."

Can you drink broth instead of eating? ›

Any healthy chicken broth diet won't involve just chicken broth. Although chicken broth can have fat, protein and carbohydrates, it doesn't usually have enough nutrients or calories to actually nourish your body when consumed on its own.

References

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