Ingredients:
For the Consommé:
- 2 pounds beef bones (such as marrow bones, knuckle bones, or shank bones)
- 1 pound veal bones (such as neck or knuckle bones)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
- 1 parsnip, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 1 leek, white and light green parts only, coarsely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 black peppercorns, whole
- 6 cups cold water
For the Clarification:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 4 egg whites, lightly beaten
Instructions:
For the Consommé:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the bones, vegetables, garlic, salt, and peppercorns in a large roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour, or until the bones are deeply golden brown.
3. Transfer the roasted bones and vegetables to a large stockpot. Add the cold water and bring to a boil. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours. The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the broth will be.
For the Clarification:
1. Strain the consommé through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and the strained consommé. Stir well to combine.
3. Gradually add the egg whites to the consommé mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the stockpot and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the consommé is clear and golden in color.
5. Strain the clarified consommé through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Discard the solids.
To Serve:
- Serve the consommé hot, garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or thyme.
Notes:
- To make the consommé ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
- If you don't have ground beef, you can substitute 2 egg whites beaten with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- For a vegetarian or vegan consommé, omit the ground beef and clarify the consommé using activated charcoal or bentonite clay.