Consommé Colbert and Variations

Ingredients

• 6 cups Beef Consommé (Homemade or high-quality store-bought)
• 0.33 cup Cooked Green Peas
• 0.33 cup Cooked Flageolets
• 0.33 cup Carrots, small diced
• 0.33 cup Celery, small diced
• 6 large Eggs (For poaching)
• 0.5 cup Noodles, cooked (Optional, for Consommé aux Pâtes)
• 0.5 cup Macaroni, cooked (Optional, for Consommé aux Pâtes)
• 0.5 cup Spaghetti, cooked (Optional, for Consommé aux Pâtes)
• 6 small Red and White Quenelles (Optional, for Consommé d’Orleans)
• 0.33 cup French Peas (Optional, for Consommé d’Orleans)
• 0.33 cup French String Beans, cooked (Optional, for Consommé with Vegetables)
• 0.33 cup Cooked Carrots, fancy shapes (Optional, for Consommé with Vegetables)
• 0.33 cup Cooked Chicken Meat, small dice (Optional, for Consommé Princess)

Instructions

1. 1If making Consommé Colbert, dice the carrots and celery into small, uniform pieces. Ensure the green peas and flageolets are cooked and ready to use.
2. 2Fill a wide, shallow pan with about 2 inches of water. Bring to a simmer. Crack each egg into a small bowl. Gently slide each egg into the simmering water. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
3. 3Gently heat the consommé in a saucepan over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. Do not boil, as this can cloud the consommé.
4. 4For Consommé Colbert, divide the cooked vegetables evenly among six soup bowls. Ladle the hot consommé over the vegetables. Gently place a poached egg in the center of each bowl. Serve immediately.
5. 5For Consommé aux Pâtes, add cooked noodles, macaroni, or spaghetti to the hot consommé before serving. For Consommé d’Orleans, add red and white quenelles and French peas. For Consommé with Vegetables, add cooked French string beans and fancy-shaped carrots. For Consommé Princess, add green peas and diced cooked chicken meat.