VARIATIONS Instead of beef bones you can use free-range chicken bones (simmer for 12 to 24 hours) or fish bones (simmer for 8 hours). You can use only vegetables if you're vegan or vegetarian; you won't obtain the bone marrow benefits, but you will still obtain nutrients from the vegetables. Skip the bone and add more celery, carrots, broccoli, and other vegetables, such as greens (kale, collard greens, chard), and simmer until the vegetables are tender.