What is Consommé Used For?

If you’re wondering what is consomme used for, read on. This delicious broth starts out as a raw stock, but is transformed into a delicious broth after it is strained and garnished. It can be served alone, or you can add additional ingredients such as vegetables, carrots, herbs, or salt. The consomme can be used as a base for other soups, stews, or gravies.

Consommé is made from the liquid leftover after cooking a meat, such as beef. It is thick, clear, and slightly browned. It is the base of soups and stews, but it also has medicinal properties. It is believed to strengthen the digestive and kidneys, making it popular in Chinese medicine.

While consomme may sound complicated to make, the process is actually relatively simple. A simple chicken consomme can be made with leftover chicken carcass, egg whites, and spices. For vegetarians, you can make tomato consomme, which is made with fresh tomatoes and tomato sauce. Both types of consomme will contain egg whites, sugar, and basil.

In the nineteenth century, consomme was known as clear broths. Escoffier listed over 140 different types in his classic Le Guide Culinaire. A famous example of a consomme made from chicken is a demonstration by Jacob Burton. He begins by pouring a chicken broth into a clarification raft and then adding seasoning and stirring. A well-made consomme is fat-free and will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Using consomme is another great way to poach a fish tableside. It is important to choose a flavorful stock or broth. First, you need to remove the fat. The fat will solidify when cold and can be used for another purpose. Once you’ve skimmed the fat, slowly bring the stock to a simmer. Next, you need to whisk in the egg whites. Once the egg whites are well mixed, the ground beef, mirepoix, aromatics, and vegetables should be added to the mixture.

In many cases, consomme can be substituted for beef broth in soups and stews. The flavor will be milder and the consistency of the soup will be similar. If you don’t have the time or the energy to clarify the broth, you can also use beef broth in place of consomme.

Beef consomme is also a rich source of protein, and can promote a healthy digestive system. It can also enhance skin and hair health. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties and is said to cure colds and flu. However, it should be noted that consomme contains high sodium levels and chemicals that can lead to hypertension.

The clarified broth is then finished by simmering it for a couple hours. While it’s still a liquid, impurities will percolate through the consomme and float to the top of the liquid. During this time, you shouldn’t stir the consomme, as it will disrupt the clarification process.