Ingredients

  • Part 1:beef consomme/stock
  • 3 lbs lean beef
  • 3 lbs veal (knuckle-trim)
  • 3 lbs cube beef
  • 4 quarts water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 medium onions, quartered
  • 2 whole carrots
  • 1 small turnip
  • 1 leaf mace
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • 1 sprig marjoram
  • 1 sprig summer savory
  • 2 small bay leaves
  • Part 2: meatballs
  • 1/2 lb ground pork or 1/2 lb beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3 teaspoons flour
  • 3 teaspoons milk
  • 1 egg
  • Part 3: dumplings
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup flour
  • 3 eggs
  • Part 4: the soup base
  • 2 quarts beef consomme
  • 1 cup sliced cooked carrot
  • 1 cup frozen, cooked fresh peas

Method

  • For Part 1 combine all ingredients in a large oven safe pot and cook in a slow oven for 12 hours.
  • Strain-cool-strain again-to get a clear consomme.
  • Measure 2 quarts and freeze the rest.
  • For part 2 combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree until very smooth.
  • Turn out into a medium bowl, cover and let stand 1 hour.
  • With a teaspoon and your hand form 40 small, oval meatballs.
  • Bring 2-3 inches of salted water to boil in a skillet and boil meatballs for 5-6 minutes-plunge into cold water and drain.
  • Repeat until all of the meatballs are cooked.
  • Set aside.
  • For part 3 take the butter, water and salt, put into a pot and bring to a boil.
  • Add the flour and stir vigorously.
  • When dough is forming a ball and pulling away from sides remove from heat and let stand about 10-12 min.
  • Add eggs one at a time stirring very well after each addition.
  • Using the same method as for meatballs make 40 small dumplings-into the salted water they go for around 7-8 min.
  • Remove and drain.
  • Set aside.
  • For part 4 in a large pot bring the consomme to a boil, add veg, meatballs and dumplings.
  • Return to a boil, reduce and simmer until meatballs and dumplings are heated through.