Conssome

 Ingredients: 2 chicken thighs, 2 carrots, a slice of celery (4 stalks, for those abroad), 1/2 root parsley, 3 sprigs of fresh parsley, 1/2 parsnip root, 1/2 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, flakes of red pepper (dried bell peppers), 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, 7 whole peppercorns, 5 egg whites, salt, homemade chicken broth (head, claws, neck, cleaned gizzard from fat glands)

What I did not find in the 'rc Cookbook' is the consomme! This concentrated soup, which can be made from various ingredients such as chicken, beef, or tomatoes, is truly the 'supreme soup'. It is that refined dish we enjoy when we crave a flavor full of personality, a culinary experience that reminds us of high-quality wines. Moreover, the consomme is that remedy that parents lovingly offered when we felt we were getting sick, a warm chicken soup that brought comfort and relief. Imagine how Dinu Păturica, counting the fat drops in the plate, did not know that this soup is a true natural medicine. I frequently prepare consomme, not just out of nostalgia, but also for its goodness and sublime taste!

To achieve a perfect consomme, start by putting chicken breasts, vegetables, spices, and egg whites into a food processor or meat grinder. Obtain a fine, homogeneous paste that will form the base of the flavor. After obtaining the paste, moisten it with a quarter of the cold chicken broth. This step is essential for achieving a clear consomme. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Choose a large pot that has enough space for both the prepared composition and the remaining 3/4 of the chicken broth.

Put the cold chicken broth in the pot and add the composition from the bowl. Turn the heat to high and stir constantly until the mixture begins to coagulate and forms a 'cap' on the surface. From now on, do not stir! Let the cap form, and when you feel it has thickened, make a hole in the middle. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for two hours without disturbing it. You will notice how small geysers form through the created hole, and the flavors will start to reveal themselves.

After two hours, strain the soup through a double-layered cheesecloth. Even if you follow the steps correctly, you may not need the cheesecloth; it is a good option if you want to use the solids to make nutritious and tasty meatballs. If you want a bit of seasoning, add ground pepper, but I prefer to use whole peppercorns to provide just the aroma without the heat. Consomme is versatile and can be enjoyed at any time, even at breakfast, making it ideal to prepare in advance and serve hot within minutes.

If you have baguettes or rice noodles, transform breakfast into a special culinary experience. Taste and add your favorite seasonings: parsley can be crumbled with your fingers, and squeezed lemon can add a touch of freshness. The rice noodles will quickly soften in the hot soup, and everything will be simple and delicious. Consomme is a soup full of character, rich and hearty, perfect for any meal! We might even call it 'The Anticipated Breakfast'!

 Tags:  onion greenery chicken meat garlic carrots pepper gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes