She Strengthens

Clear Broth Revolution: A Game-Changing Technique

Breaking Free from Tradition

Imagine a crystal-clear broth, packed with flavor, yet devoid of impurities. This culinary dream is now a reality, thanks to a clever technique that replaces the traditional “raft” method.

The Gelatin-Freezer Hack

Author Lauren Shockey discovered this innovative approach during her internship at New York’s WD-50. By combining gelatin and freezing, she created a Doritos-flavored consommé that’s both clear and delicious. Watch her prepare it in this CHOW Tip video.

Special Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you’ll require two large pieces of ultrafine woven cheesecloth, available at cooking supply stores or online.

Yield and Difficulty

This recipe yields four servings and is classified as easy. The total preparation time is 2.5 hours, plus 2 days for freezing and defrosting.

Ingredients

For the consommé:

• 8 ounces Cool Ranch Doritos (about 8 cups)
• 10 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered unflavored gelatin

To assemble:

• 1/2 cup corn kernels, thawed if frozen
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon microcilantro leaves or coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Preparing the Consommé

Combine the Doritos with 8 cups of water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, mashing the Doritos with a wooden spoon until the mixture looks mushy. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, discarding the solids, and return the liquid to the pot. Bring to a boil again, then remove from heat and add the gelatin-water mixture. Stir until the gelatin dissolves, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 1 hour at room temperature, then freeze until solid, at least 6 hours or overnight.

Assembling the Dish

Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Run hot tap water on the outside of the frozen pot until the soup block loosens. Transfer the block to the cheesecloth-lined colander and let it defrost at room temperature for about 1 day. Discard the contents of the colander and transfer the clear consommé to a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and keep warm.

Finishing Touches

Combine the corn, water, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Drain the corn and set aside. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot frying pan until cooked through. To serve, divide the shrimp among four soup bowls, fill with the warm consommé, and top with the corn and cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the crystal-clear broth revolution!