Chicken Consomme Basic Clarification Recipes

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine chicken, egg whites, carrot, and celery. Stir to combine. Add 2 cups stock; stir to combine. Add remaining 6 cups stock. Place over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil and a solid mass has formed on top. There should be liquid and foam bubbling up around the edges. Do not stir once liquid has come to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer, and cook for 45 minutes.
• Remove from heat. Ladle only the clear liquid into a damp cheesecloth-lined sieve. Do not press down on solids; just allow the liquid to drip. If any particles remain in broth, strain again in the same manner. The consomme may be chilled until any remaining fat solidifies on the surface. Remove fat, and discard. The consomme will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 days and frozen for up to 3 months.

Steps:

• Put the stock in a large saucepan.
• Stir together the leek, carrot, and parsley in bowl of a food processor. Add the ground chicken, egg whites, and 2 tablespoons water. Pulse to mix well. Stir this mixture into the stock in a saucepot.
• Bring the stock very slowly to the boil, stirring constantly. The egg mixture will congeal and form a "raft" on the top of the stock, collecting all the impurities from the stock. As soon as it begins to boil, stop stirring and turn the heat down to low. A hole will have formed on the top of the "raft". Make it slightly larger with a spoon, and then simmer the stock very gently for 45 minutes. Remove the saucepot from the heat and let stand 5 minutes.
• Line a sieve with a double layer of cheesecloth. Using a skimmer, lift off as much egg white from the top of the consomme as you can, and discard. Ladle the consomme into the lined strainer and let it drip through in its own good time. Don't be tempted to press it or you'll make it cloudy.
• When it has all dripped through, season and taste the consomme. Season the consomme with salt, if needed. Serve hot or cold with the garnish of your choice.