Step 1 of 6
Boil-up
Put the pork bones in a large pot, cover with the water and bring to the boil. Skim the grey foam for the first 10 minutes, then add the onion and a teaspoon of salt.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Boil-up take?
2 hr 50 min all in — 20 min prep, 2 hr 30 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 bowls. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free.
8 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Stockpot, Chef's knife, Mixing bowl.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 2 tsp (to taste).
What can I use instead?
Watercress → Spinach or silverbeet. Softer and less peppery. Add in the last 5 minutes instead of 15.
What should I watch for?
Lifting the lid lets the steam out and gives you gummy doughboys.
Any tips from this recipe?
Bacon bones give a smokier broth and need less salt. Brisket bones give a beefier one. Use what your butcher has. Watercress goes in late so it keeps some colour. Pūhā, if you have it, needs rubbing under water first to remove the bitter milk, then goes in with the potatoes. The broth the next day, with the leftover doughboys sliced into it, is arguably the better meal.
Can I prepare this ahead?
The broth the next day, with the leftover doughboys sliced into it, is arguably the better meal.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.