Introduction: What is consome?
Consome is a type of Mexican soup commonly served with birria tacos. It is a rich, flavorful broth made from beef bones and flavored with vegetables and spices. The broth is traditionally served with birria tacos, which are made with shredded beef that has been slow-cooked in a flavorful marinade.
Consome is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is known for its rich flavor and comforting qualities. It is typically served as a starter before the main course or as a side dish to accompany birria tacos.
Ingredients needed to make consome
To make consome for birria tacos, you will need beef bones, water, onion, garlic, bay leaves, cilantro, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. You may also want to add carrots and celery for extra flavor.
It is important to use high-quality beef bones for the best flavor. Look for bones that are rich in marrow and have plenty of meat still attached. You can typically find beef bones at your local butcher or specialty grocery store.
Preparing the beef for consome
Before you begin making the consome, you will need to prepare the beef. To do this, cut the beef into large pieces and season it with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices, such as cumin or paprika, for extra flavor.
Once seasoned, brown the beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat. This will help to develop a rich, caramelized flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the consome.
Cooking the beef for consome
After browning the beef, add enough water to cover the meat and bring the pot to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the beef simmer for several hours, or until it is tender and falling apart.
As the beef cooks, it will release flavor and nutrients into the water, creating a rich broth that will form the base of the consome.
Adding vegetables and spices to the pot
Once the beef is cooked, add chopped onion, garlic, bay leaves, cilantro, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. You can also add chopped carrots and celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
These vegetables and spices will infuse the broth with flavor and create a rich, aromatic aroma that will make your mouth water.
Simmering the consome for several hours
After adding the vegetables and spices, let the consome simmer for several more hours, or until the broth has reduced and the flavor has intensified.
This slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, complex broth that is perfect for serving with birria tacos.
Straining the consome to remove solids
Once the consome is done cooking, remove the beef and vegetables from the pot and strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer.
This will remove any solids and create a clear, smooth broth that is perfect for serving with birria tacos.
Skimming the fat from the top of the consome
As the consome cools, you may notice a layer of fat forming on the top. Use a spoon or ladle to skim off this fat, as it can make the broth greasy and unappetizing.
Serving the consome with birria tacos
To serve the consome with birria tacos, ladle the broth into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and diced onion. Serve alongside the birria tacos for a complete Mexican meal.
Variations and tips for making consome
There are many variations of consome, depending on the region and the cook. Some recipes call for adding tomatoes or chiles for extra flavor, while others use a mix of beef and chicken bones for a more complex broth.
To make the consome more flavorful, you can also roast the beef bones before simmering them in the water. This will add a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved through simple boiling.
Storing and reheating consome
Consome can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm the broth over low heat until heated through.
Conclusion: Enjoy your homemade consome for birria tacos!
Making consome for birria tacos is a labor of love that requires time, patience, and attention to detail. But the end result is a rich, flavorful broth that is the perfect complement to tender, juicy birria tacos.
With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a consome that is worthy of any Mexican restaurant. So why not give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade consome with your next batch of birria tacos?
