Consommé
This Master Chef concoction is made through a laborious process by way of meticulous skimming and rendering. Its main ingredients are beef, chicken, and vegetables that are boiled with bones, allowing the proteins to coagulate thus creating a savory stock. All the while, the heat keeps the impurities afloat and strainable. The end result is a magically clarified and refined broth that is as intricate as it is tasty.
The taste of this dish is complex and lofty. Its flavors creep on your tongue with an undeniable force, almost mesmerizingly. The stock is gelid and tepid at the same time, yet only ever so slightly salty. Its consistency is smooth and unobtrusive, a subtle flash of bravado and swagger.
But it's not just about the taste. Consommé has been part of French cuisine since the 16th century. It is a masterfully simple soup that embodies the art of mindful cooking, taking time to savor the process and produce a delicious delicacy.
So, if you appreciate a good sip that oozes with culinary finesse, look no further than a pot of consommé. You'll be sure to appreciate the tantalizing taste and fascinating process behind this subtle star of the kitchen.
Consommé recipes
Amazing Consommé recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Consommé
Consommé is a highly-prized delicacy, known around the world for its depth of flavor and luxurious texture. It has been an important part of French cuisine since the 19th century and is often served at opulent events as a grand finale. But its story began much earlier, in the 12th century, where it was a humble peasant dish.
It is believed that consommé originated in the Pyrenees region of France, but there are other theories suggesting its origins lie elsewhere – perhaps in Spain or even further afield. What is certain is that the earliest records of its preparation date to the Middle Ages and describe it as a simple broth made from salted beef, accented with herbs such as garlic and bay leaves.
Throughout the centuries, consommé evolved into a more elaborate version of its primitive counterpart, reflecting the tastes of aristocracy and royalty. The French royalty of Louis XIV’s court served it as a status symbol, as its sophisticated seasoning, knowledge of stock reduction and slow cooking process were all very difficult to master.
By the 17th century, consommé was available to the masses, although mostly in Parisian restaurants. It was further popularized by the Grand Tastier of Gascony, a celebrated cookbook authored by French gastronome Louis Ude, in which he wrote lovingly of his favorite dish.
In modern times, consommé is still held in high regard; it is seen as a challenge to master and often served as an indulgent reminder of a bygone era. While the most common variation of this classic soup includes only chicken stock, many chefs today also experiment with various meats, vegetables, and spices to create their own unique renditions.
No matter its origin, consommé remains a timeless favorite, gracing tables for centuries and delighting palates of all kinds.
Types of Consommé
Few dishes can both dazzle the eye and tantalize the taste buds like a classic Consommé. These dish are an exquisite combination of nourishment, flavour and beauty, making them ideal for a variety of social occasions. Consommé has a wide range of styles, each with its own unique ingredients and flavour profile.
The most traditional and perhaps best-known variant is the Bouillon Consommé – the perfect starting point for any exploration of this timeless classic. This style utilises beef, chicken or game stock combined with a selection of herbs and vegetables, all simmered together to create a full-bodied and flavoursome broth. Great as a starter served in a cup or bowl, it is a wonderful way to tantalize the taste buds before the main course.
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous and want to showcase your culinary creativity, why not try a Jellied Consommé? This variant combines a light gelatin base, typically made from fish or veal stock, with a range of choice herbs, spices and other ingredients. Carefully cooked, this classic clear soup is then cooled and allowed to set, resulting in an attractive and elegant dish that truly stands out from the crowd.
For those who prefer something a little richer and heartier, why not try a Brunoise Consommé? This classic style combines a base of beef or veal stock with diced vegetables for a thick and hearty soup. The vegetables are carefully cooked until soft, then finished off with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, making for a robust yet surprisingly light and tasty dish.
If you fancy trying something a little different, a Triple Consommé could be just what you are looking for. This unusual style consists of a triple layer of flavours, with each layer providing its own unique aromatic and flavourful elements. This intricate and unusual dish is ideal for those looking to impress at the dinner table.
Whatever your preference, there is sure to be a Consommé to suit your tastes. With a wide variety of styles and ingredients available to choose from, you can find the perfect soup that will both satisfy your appetite and tickle your tastebuds. So why not experiment and explore this classic? You may just be surprised by the delectable delights contained within this timeless favourite.