Are you a beef lover that pays attention to any beef-related dishes?
Do you want to make a soup that requires beef consomme, but your local supermarket only supplies beef broth? Are you wondering whether you can substitute one for the other? If these are your cases, this article is for you.
Keep reading for more interesting information.
Related: Here are the most popular meat types you can eat today
Quick Facts
Beef Broth:
- Cooking method: simmer beef and vegetables
- Appearance: clear, light brown
- Consistency: thinner
- Flavor: mild
- Uses: as an appetizer
Beef Consomme:
- Cooking method: simmer and purify
- Appearance: grease-free and dark brown
- Consistency: thicker
- Flavor: concentrated
- Preparation: to cook other dishes
Key Differences
The very first difference between these two comes from the method used for achieving them. You can have the broth by simmering beef and vegetables (not required) on low heat. Then, once you have it, you can further purify it to have consomme.
The second difference is their appearances. While broth is clear and light brown in color, consomme is grease-free and dark brown. Besides, the consistency of them is not similar. Professional chefs state that the former is thinner when compared with the latter.
Another way for you to differentiate these types is by tasting them. When consuming broth, many agree that it has a mild flavor; otherwise, consomme tastes more concentrated.
Last but not least, the way how to use them also differs. In the case of consomme, because it is like a dish made from broth, it does not require any further cooking, and you can immediately eat it whenever you like. Typically, people will use it as an appetizer. But, on the other hand, the broth is used to make various dishes such as soup, sauces, stews, etc.
Health Benefits
There is no doubt that both bring considerable nutritious benefits. However, when comparing the two, many wonder if they move in tandem regarding health advantages.
Despite being similar in origin, the difference in the process of achieving them makes their benefits distinguish. As many nutritionists state, broth can reduce high blood pressure and heart disease risks. Besides, it is lower in calories, which is preferred by those attempting to lose weight.
In case you are struggling with colds and flu, spicy beef broth is your solution. As consomme is the more concentrated version, it is higher in potassium, iron, and calcium.
Although both types of beef are good for human health, too much consumption of them will damage your health, much less improve it. Therefore, you should pay close attention to the balance of your daily meals.
Can You Substitute One For The Other?
Yes, you can.
However, remember only to use the technique when you prefer the taste of one kind over another because the replacement won’t bring you the best and correct flavor of the dish.
What’s more, when you use beef broth instead, some recipes such as aspic are not suitable. So carefully check whether you can substitute it before cooking.
How Long Does Homemade Beef Broth And Beef Consomme Last?
Homemade food is always much healthier than ready-bought food because you can control which ingredients can be used. Similar cases also apply here.
Though household cooks tend to make large amounts of these types that they wonder how long they will last. Overall, there are two ways you can lengthen their lifespan.
If you intend to consume them in the next few days, the refrigerator is your solution. Put your meals in an airtight container, and they can last up to 3 or 4 days.
If you have more than you can eat within a short period, you must utilize your freezer. After preparing, leave them there to cool for several hours and then place them into an airtight container.
Remove air from the airtight container before sealing it, and your food is ready to be stored for 4 to 6 months.
How Do You Turn Beef Broth Into Beef Consomme?
If you want to do this, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Prepare beef broth and additional ingredients such as mirepoix (the mixture of onion, celery, and carrot), seasonings, the white part of the egg, chopped tomato, etc., to flavor your dish.
- Step 2: Whisk the egg whites and pepper mixture into a large bowl until you achieve a foamy texture.
- Step 3: Use a food processor to pulse the celery, tomatoes, and ground beef, respectively.
- Step 4: Combine all prepared ingredients and cook at a high temperature. When it is boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest and leave it there for 40 minutes.
- Step 5: Turn off your gas stove and pour the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to achieve a smooth mixture.
Once the cooking time is complete, you can consume it immediately for best taste, or if you want to store it for later use, leave it relaxed for several hours and put it in the freezer.
What Is Beef Consomme Used For?
It is used in various recipes because of its ability to strengthen the flavor of meals. For example, it is typically added to stew and carbonara dishes. You can also enjoy it as a hot bowl or cup of soup.
Can You Eat Consomme By Itself?
There is nothing wrong with eating consomme by itself. Commonly, beef consomme is used in various recipes to flavor the taste and create nutritious dishes. However, you can still consume it alone to taste its original flavor.