The Chicken Consume

 

 

Chicken consommé is a clear and flavourful broth made from chicken stock that has been carefully clarified to remove impurities and achieve a concentrated chicken flavour. Here's a general process for preparing chicken consommé:

 

1. Prepare the Chicken Stock: Start by making a rich chicken stock. This typically involves simmering chicken bones, such as chicken carcasses or chicken parts, along with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, in water for several hours. The long simmering time helps extract the flavours and nutrients from the bones and vegetables.

 

2. Clarification: To clarify the chicken stock and turn it into consommé, you'll need to create a raft. Combine a mixture of ground chicken or ground chicken with other ingredients like egg whites, finely chopped vegetables, and herbs. Mix them together and add them to the stock. The proteins in the ground chicken and egg whites help trap impurities and create a solid "raft" on top.

 

3. Simmer and Skim: Place the pot with the stock and raft over low heat and let it simmer gently for around 1-2 hours. As it simmers, the raft will rise to the surface, and impurities will get trapped in it. Use a spoon to carefully skim off any foam or impurities that collect on the surface during this time.

 

4. Strain: Once the consommé has simmered and the raft has formed, carefully strain the consommé through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. The liquid will pass through while the raft and impurities will be left behind, resulting in a clear and clarified chicken consommé.

 

5. Adjust the Flavour: Taste the consommé and adjust the seasoning, if needed, with salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices. You can also add additional flavourings like a splash of lemon juice, a sprig of thyme, or a pinch of garlic powder, depending on your preference.

 

Chicken consommé is a delicate and refined soup that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other dishes. Its clarity and intense chicken flavour make it an elegant choice for special occasions or as a refined starter.