Beef consommé is a clarified beef broth that’s prized for its rich flavor and crystal-clear appearance. It’s a sophisticated soup that’s often served as a first course in elegant meals. Think of it as the haute couture version of beef broth!
**What Exactly Is Beef Consommé?**
At its heart, beef consommé starts as a regular beef broth. However, the magic happens during the clarification process. This involves simmering the broth with a “clearifying raft” – a mixture of ground meat, egg whites, mirepoix (diced carrots, celery, and onion), and aromatics. As the raft cooks, it gently filters out impurities, resulting in a pure, intensely flavored broth.
**The Secret: The Clarification Raft**
The clarification raft is the star of the show. Here’s how it works:
* **Ground Meat:** Usually lean ground beef, it acts as a magnet, attracting impurities in the broth.
* **Egg Whites:** These coagulate when heated, trapping even more fine particles.
* **Mirepoix:** Adds flavor and aroma, contributing to the overall complexity.
* **Aromatics:** Herbs and spices like parsley, thyme, and peppercorns boost the flavor profile.
* **Acid:** Tomatoes or lemon juice help the egg whites coagulate properly and brighten the flavor.
As the raft simmers, it forms a solid layer on top of the broth, effectively trapping any solids or cloudiness. The result is a stunningly clear liquid with a concentrated beefy taste.
**How to Make Beef Consommé (Simplified)**
While the process takes time and attention, it’s not overly complicated. Here’s a simplified overview:
1. **Make Beef Broth:** Start with a high-quality beef broth. You can use homemade or store-bought.
2. **Prepare the Raft:** Combine ground beef, egg whites, mirepoix, aromatics, and an acid in a bowl.
3. **Combine Broth and Raft:** Gently mix the raft ingredients into the *cold* broth in a large pot.
4. **Simmer Gently:** Slowly bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Do *not* stir.
5. **Form the Raft:** As it simmers, the raft will rise to the surface and harden. Create a small hole in the raft to allow steam to escape.
6. **Simmer Slowly:** Maintain a very gentle simmer for about 1.5 hours.
7. **Strain Carefully:** Ladle the consommé through a cheesecloth-lined strainer to remove any remaining particles. Be careful not to disturb the raft.
8. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
**Tips for Perfect Consommé**
* **Start with Good Broth:** The better your broth, the better your consommé.
* **Use Cold Broth:** This helps the raft form properly.
* **Low and Slow:** A gentle simmer is key to a clear consommé. Avoid boiling, which will break up the raft and cloud the broth.
* **Don’t Stir:** Stirring will disrupt the clarification process.
* **Be Patient:** The clarification process takes time. Don’t rush it.
* **Strain Carefully:** Handle the raft gently when straining to avoid clouding the consommé.
**Serving Suggestions**
Beef consommé is a versatile soup that can be served in various ways:
* **Classic Presentation:** Serve it hot in a consommé cup or small bowl, garnished with a sprig of parsley or chives.
* **Add Garnish:** Enhance the flavor and texture with additions like sherry, Madeira, or small vegetables (julienned carrots, peas).
* **Make it a Meal:** Add cooked pasta (like tiny stars or acini di pepe) or small dumplings for a heartier dish.
* **Use as a Base:** Beef consommé can also be used as a flavorful base for sauces and other dishes.
**FAQ About Beef Consommé**
* **Can I use store-bought broth?** Yes, but choose a high-quality, low-sodium broth.
* **Can I make it vegetarian?** While traditional consommé is made with beef, you can adapt the process using vegetable broth and finely chopped vegetables in the raft. The result won’t be the same, but it can be a flavorful clear soup.
* **Can I freeze consommé?** Yes, consommé freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
* **Why is my consommé still cloudy?** This could be due to several factors: boiling the broth, disturbing the raft during simmering or straining, or not using enough egg whites.
* **Is it worth the effort?** Absolutely! The clarity and intense flavor of homemade beef consommé are truly exceptional.
Beef consommé might seem intimidating, but with a little patience and the right technique, you can create this elegant and flavorful soup at home. Enjoy!