Written by Sarah Farris
The temperatures are dropping and this “sweatah weathah” can only mean one thing- it’s soup season! Truly, when the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, few things feel as comforting as a pot simmering on the stove. Whether it’s a hearty soup, a creamy risotto, or a simple bowl of grains, these cozy dishes have a way of slowing life down, one bite at a time.
As a home cook, I often reach for broth to build flavor and depth in these kinds of recipes. But lately, I’ve been hearing that bone broth brings something extra to the table, not just a richer taste, but an added layer of nourishment that makes comfort food even more satisfying. I spoke with Melissa Smith, owner and founder of Hale Bone Broth, to learn more about how to incorporate this not-so secret ingredient into my daily life.
“If you’re looking to add the benefits of bone broth to your diet, without the sipping, adding it into your recipes is the perfect way to enhance the flavor AND nutrition,” said Smith.
Bone broth has long been called “liquid gold” for its nutrient profile—rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support gut health, skin, and joints. Unlike the “salty chicken water” that fills most store shelves, Hale Bone Broth is made with slow-simmered bones and whole ingredients, yielding a deeply flavorful and nourishing base for soups, stews, and grains.
That nutritional boost can easily extend beyond the soup bowl. Replace water, stock, or even milk in recipes with bone broth to enhance both taste and health benefits. Use it in:
Grain dishes like risotto, farro, or quinoa
Mashed potatoes or purees for extra creaminess
Sauces and gravies for deeper flavor
Vegetable sautés instead of oil or butter
Scrambled eggs for subtle richness
“Even half a cup swapped in makes a difference,” Smith says. “It’s also a great way to sneak in nutrients for kids—use it in rice or pasta dishes they already love.” Bonus- studies have shown that the abundant amino acids and minerals found in bone broth can support gut health.
This cozy fall risotto captures everything we love about comfort food, warm, creamy, and aromatic, with the added depth and nutrition of Hale Bone Broth.
Ingredients:
1½ cups Arborio rice
4 cups Hale Bone Broth (Original), heated
1 cup pumpkin purée
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp nutmeg
Fresh sage, for garnish
Directions:
Warm Hale Bone Broth in a saucepan and keep it on low heat.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
Stir in Arborio rice and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
Add the broth one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
After about 15 minutes, stir in pumpkin purée, nutmeg, and salt. Continue adding broth until the rice is creamy and tender (about 20 minutes total).
Remove from heat, stir in parmesan, and top with sage.
Cozy tip: Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of roasted pumpkin on top.
For Hale, wellness is as much about simplicity as it is about science. The company’s “Hale for Life” ethos encourages small, sustainable changes, like swapping bone broth into a weekday meal, to make nutrition feel approachable.
As the brand grows from a farmers market favorite to a regional wellness staple, it remains rooted in this mission: helping people build better habits one spoonful at a time.
About Hale Bone Broth:
Hale Bone Broth is crafted with pasture-raised, 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef. The small-batch broth is 100% grain-free and made with organic vegetables and spices. Hale Bone Broth is packed with over 19 easy-to-absorb essential amino acids and collagen, which helps form connective tissue, and nutrients that support digestive functions, immunity, and brain health. Learn more here.