What is Chicken Consommé? Unveiling this Refined Culinary Classic

Chicken consommé is a dish shrouded in an air of culinary mystique. With its French name, elaborate preparation, and glistening clarity, consommé elevates simple broth to an artform. But what exactly is this refined soup, and what makes it so special? Let’s take a closer look at the origins, process, and flavors that define this culinary treasure.

A Broth Reborn: The Origins of Consommé

While often seen as a fancy French soup consommé actually has humble beginnings. It originated as a creative way for cooks to salvage and improve lackluster broths. By clarifying and concentrating flavors they transformed broth’s typically cloudy appearance into a sparklingly clear liquid that really tasted like the essence of chicken.

The name “consommé” comes from the French word “consommé”, meaning “completed” or “concentrated”. It refers to the perfection and intensification of flavors that the process achieves. While chicken is most common, consommés can also be made from beef, fish, and vegetable broths.

From Cloudy to Crystal Clear: How Consommé Gets its Clarity

How does this magic happen? The secret is a raft, which is a mix of protein-rich ingredients that work to attract and trap impurities as the broth simmers. It usually has

• Ground meat (chicken, beef)
• Egg whites
• Aromatic vegetables (onion, carrots, celery)
• Acidic components (tomato paste, lemon juice)

As the egg whites heat up, they coagulate into a thick film, grabbing any debris or sediment. The raft floats to the top, forming a filter that draws out cloudiness while allowing pure liquid to pass through.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Chicken Consommé

Making consommé is a meticulous process requiring patience and care. Here are the key steps:

• Start with a rich homemade broth. To get the most flavor, use roasted chicken bones and vegetables that have been simmered for hours.

• Cool the broth. Chilling allows fat to solidify so it can be skimmed off.

• Create the raft. Whisk together ground chicken, egg whites, aromatics, and acid.

• Simmer gently. Heat the broth just until the raft begins to form across the surface. Avoid boiling or stirring which can break up the raft.

• Strain thoroughly. Pass the broth through a cheesecloth-lined sieve to catch all impurities.

• Finish and serve. Add salt to taste and pour the clear consommé into bowls or cups.

The Flavors and Form of Chicken Consommé

After all this refining, the end result should be a brilliant golden elixir with intense chicken essence. The flavor is deeply savory yet refreshingly light. On its own, it makes an elegant starter. Garnishes like diced vegetables, herbs, or quenelles subtly embellish without overpowering.

Consommé can also be used to make soufflés, risottos, and sauces look even better. It can be used in many different ways, which makes it an important building block for chefs. Consomme is a great example of culinary skill and artistry because of how complex and refined it is.

Consommé vs. Broth: Key Differences

Given its origins, it’s natural to compare consommé to regular broth. While both are made from chicken, consommé differs in some important ways:

• Clarity – Consommé is strikingly transparent while broth is cloudy and opaque.

• Flavor – Consommé is concentrated and intense while broth is milder tasting.

• Texture – Consommé has a rich, silky mouthfeel while broth can be thin.

• Preparation – Consommé requires extensive clarification not needed for broth.

• Uses – Consommé can be served alone while broth is an ingredient.

So in short, consommé takes chicken broth as a starting point but transforms it through meticulous technique into something truly extraordinary.

Demystifying the Magic: Common Consommé Questions

For those new to the world of consommés, there are some common questions that arise:

• Can I use store-bought broth? It’s better to start with homemade broth for the most flavorful consommé possible.

• Does the raft have to contain chicken? You can use beef or a vegetable mix instead to create different flavor profiles.

• What if the raft breaks? Gently reform it by pushing the pieces together to avoid releasing impurities.

• How long does it take? Plan for several hours of simmering plus 2-3 hours for clarifying.

• Can I freeze consommé? Yes, it freezes very well for up to 3 months.

• What are good garnishes? Finely diced carrots, celery, leeks, and herbs are classic choices.

A Culinary Achievement Worth Savoring

While making consommé requires dedication, the satisfaction of unveiling a shimmering amber-hued elixir makes it all worthwhile. Each spoonful delivers intense savory chicken flavor elevated to a new level of refinement. Savor it as a soup or use it to add sophistication to everything from sauces to seafood. However you enjoy it, consommé is a culinary treasure that fully deserves its esteemed place in gourmet kitchens.