Definition: Consommé is a strong, rich, flavorful soup made by concentrating and clarifying stock.
The word consommé means "completed" or "concentrated" in French.
Beef or veal consommé is made from brown stock, and has a rich, amber color. Chicken consommé is made from chicken stock, and is a pale yellow color. In each case, however, the distinguishing characteristics of a consommé are its strong flavor and its clarity.
Consommé is clarified through a process that involves simmering the stock along with a mixture of egg whites and lean ground meat called a clearmeat.
As the consommé simmers, the clearmeat solidifies into what is known as a raft which floats atop the liquid. The clearmeat draws proteins and other impurities that cloud a stock out of the liquid, leaving it perfectly clear.
Consommé is often served as an appetizer, and is frequently served with a simple garnish of vegetables cut in brunoise or julienne.
Because it is high in gelatin, consommé will jell when it cools, making it the basis for preparing aspic.
The word consommé means "completed" or "concentrated" in French.
Beef or veal consommé is made from brown stock, and has a rich, amber color. Chicken consommé is made from chicken stock, and is a pale yellow color. In each case, however, the distinguishing characteristics of a consommé are its strong flavor and its clarity.
Consommé is clarified through a process that involves simmering the stock along with a mixture of egg whites and lean ground meat called a clearmeat.
As the consommé simmers, the clearmeat solidifies into what is known as a raft which floats atop the liquid. The clearmeat draws proteins and other impurities that cloud a stock out of the liquid, leaving it perfectly clear.
Consommé is often served as an appetizer, and is frequently served with a simple garnish of vegetables cut in brunoise or julienne.
Because it is high in gelatin, consommé will jell when it cools, making it the basis for preparing aspic.
Pronunciation: con-som-AY
