Yes, it is possible to make a gluten free beef consomme. A traditional beef consomme is already gluten free, as it is made by simmering beef bones, vegetables and herbs in water to extract the flavor. The key to ensuring a gluten free consomme is selecting ingredients that do not contain gluten.
What is Beef Consomme?
Beef consomme is a clear soup made by simmering beef bones and vegetables in water. It is known for its rich, concentrated flavor. The process of making consomme results in a clarified broth that has a silky texture and savory taste.
Here are some key features of classic beef consomme:
– Made from beef bones, typically knuckle and shank bones
– Simmered for several hours to extract flavor from the bones
– Strained to remove solids and clarify the broth
– Consists of beef broth and aromatic ingredients like vegetables, herbs and spices
– Does not contain cream or thickeners like roux or cornstarch
– Has an intense, concentrated beef flavor
The rich taste comes from gelatin and minerals released from the bones during prolonged simmering. As a classic consomme does not contain common allergens like wheat, it is naturally gluten free.
Gluten Free Diet
A gluten free diet involves excluding foods and ingredients that contain the proteins gluten and gliadin. This diet is essential for managing certain medical conditions like celiac disease, gluten sensitivity and wheat allergies.
For people who need to avoid gluten, following a gluten free diet entails:
– Eliminating grains like wheat, barley, rye and triticale
– Checking labels for ingredients like malt, Brewer’s yeast and wheat starch
– Selecting naturally gluten free foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts and seeds
– Choosing gluten free versions of products like bread, pasta, crackers and cereal
– Preparing meals at home to control gluten intake
– Asking about preparation methods when dining out to avoid cross-contact
When preparing recipes, it also requires vigilance to use only gluten free ingredients. Even minor ingredients like broth, soy sauce and thickeners must be checked.
Is Beef Consomme Naturally Gluten Free?
Traditional beef consomme is made using just beef bones, water, aromatic vegetables and herbs. None of these ingredients contain gluten.
Here are the main gluten free ingredients in classic consomme:
– Beef bones – Provide flavor through gelatin
– Water – Necessary for simmering bones
– Carrots – Add subtle sweetness
– Onions – Contribute savory notes
– Celery – Gives fresh herbaceous taste
– Tomato paste – Adds rich umami flavor
– Herbs like parsley, thyme, bay leaves – Supply aromatic notes
As long as the chef uses stocks, broths and other ingredients that are gluten free, the consomme will not contain traces of gluten. No wheat flour, bread crumbs, batter or thickening agents are used when making traditional consomme.
Some cooks may add rice or egg whites during consomme preparation to aid in clarification. Again, selecting gluten free varieties ensures there is no cross-contamination.
How to Make Gluten Free Beef Consomme
Making your own gluten free beef consomme at home allows you to control all the ingredients.
Follow this standard recipe for classic gluten free consomme:
Gluten Free Beef Consomme Recipe
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs beef knuckle and soup bones
– 2 quarts cold water
– 1 onion, quartered
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery ribs, chopped
– 1 tomato, quartered
– 1⁄2 cup tomato paste
– 1 bay leaf
– Fresh parsley and thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Place beef bones in a large pot and cover with 2 quarts cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. As soon as the water boils, drain bones and rinse well under cold water. Clean out the pot.
3. Return bones to the pot and cover with 2 quarts fresh cold water. Add quartered onion, carrots, celery, tomato, tomato paste, bay leaf, parsley and thyme.
4. Bring pot to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Skim any scum that rises to the surface.
5. Simmer consomme for 4-6 hours, until broth is full-flavored. Add water as needed to keep bones submerged.
6. Strain consomme through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard solids.
7. Season consomme to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes before serving.
This simple recipe relies on beef bones and aromatic vegetables to build a rich, gluten free broth. The long simmering time extracts the collagen and flavors from the bones. Straining provides a clear, refined consomme that highlights the homemade beef stock.
Purchasing Gluten Free Beef Consomme
When buying prepared beef consomme, read ingredient labels carefully to verify it is gluten free. The broth should not contain wheat, barley, rye or oats. Avoid consommes thickened with wheat flour-based roux.
Some gluten free brands of canned, boxed or tetrapak consomme include:
– Kitchen Basics Unsalted Beef Stock
– Pacific Foods Organic Beef Broth
– College Inn Bold Beef Consomme
– Bonafide Provisions Organic Beef Bone Broth
Call the manufacturer if you have any concerns about gluten free status. Many companies now explicitly state “gluten free” on the label for broths, stocks and consommes that have been tested.
When dining out, check with your server or the chef about available gluten free broths and consommes. Most restaurants can accommodate by making adjustments to ingredients.
Adding Body to Gluten Free Consomme
If you want to thicken your gluten free beef consomme slightly, there are options:
– Whisk in a little arrowroot starch or cornstarch slurry – These clean-tasting starches will gently thicken without impacting clarity.
– Blend in cooked rice – White or brown rice can lend body. Ensure brands tested as gluten free.
– Puree gluten free bread – Process gluten free bread cubes into consomme.
– Stir in coconut milk – Gives a velvety texture and subtle coconut flavor.
– Simmer with peeled, cored apples – Apples add body as they break down. Strain out chunks before serving.
– Add egg whites – Whisked egg whites contribute body and clarify consomme further. Strain if you want a clearer soup.
These alternatives help create a rich, gluten free consomme with more viscosity. However, traditional consomme is supposed to be a thin, crystal clear broth.
Uses for Gluten Free Beef Consomme
Gluten free beef consomme serves as a flavorful base for many dishes:
– French onion soup – Caramelized onions simmered in consomme then topped with cheese and bread
– Pot pie – Vegetables and meat simmered in consomme and baked under a pie crust
– Risotto – Arborio rice cooked in consomme makes an elegant, creamy risotto
– Gravy – Reduced consomme thickens into an umami-rich gravy for meats
– Steamed mussels or clams – Shellfish steamed open in consomme makes a light yet flavorful dish
– Consomme jelly – Chilled consomme turned into an aspic jelly to mold dishes like tomato aspic
– Pan sauces – Deglazed consomme used to make sauces for steak, pork chops, chicken and fish
Consomme can also be served as-is in a wide bowl or coffee mug as a warming, comforting soup. Grated Parmesan, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon make tasty gluten free garnishes.
Common Questions
Is boxed beef broth gluten free?
Most boxed beef broths and stocks are gluten free, but always verify by reading labels. Avoid any broths containing hydrolyzed wheat protein, malt extract, wheat starch or flour.
Can consomme be made thicker?
Traditional consomme is a thin, clear broth. But you can thicken it slightly using arrowroot, cornstarch, rice, bread or egg whites. Just ensure they are all gluten free.
Is it okay to eat the fat in consomme?
Yes, the small amount of fat from the bone marrow and meat is part of the flavor. Consomme is meant to be a clear, not fat-free, broth.
Can you freeze beef consomme?
Absolutely. Homemade or store-bought consomme can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze in airtight containers leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Thaw slowly in fridge before using.
How long does consomme last in the fridge?
An opened carton or homemade consomme will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Use your nose—if it smells unpleasant, it’s time to toss. Boiled consomme keeps 5-7 days.
Conclusion
Beef consomme is naturally gluten free when made properly using simple ingredients like bones, water, vegetables and herbs. Read labels to choose gluten free broths and stocks from the store. Or make your own aromatic consomme at home so you control everything added. This intensely flavored soup provides a healthy, comforting base for many gluten free recipes. With some minor adjustments, beef consomme can be enjoyed by anyone following a gluten free diet.
