GRATINATE Meaning and
Definition
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Gratinate is a culinary term that refers to the cooking technique of browning or crisping the top surface of a dish, typically by adding a layer of breadcrumbs, cheese, or a combination of both, and then exposing it to high heat. The resulting effect is a golden-brown crust that adds texture and flavor to the dish.
Gratination is commonly used to enhance the visual appeal and taste of various oven-baked or broiled dishes. It is often employed in recipes such as casseroles, gratins, pasta dishes, and certain types of seafood or meat preparations. The process typically involves sprinkling the desired topping, such as breadcrumbs or grated cheese, over the surface of the dish and then placing it under a broiler or in a hot oven. The heat causes the toppings to melt, crisp, and develop a deliciously browned crust.
The technique of gratinating offers a combination of textural contrast and a pleasant, slightly caramelized taste to the dish. It provides a crunchy element to contrast with the softer components, while the melted cheese brings a savory richness.
In summary, gratinate is a cooking method that involves browning or crisping the top surface of a dish by adding a layer of breadcrumbs, cheese, or both, and exposing it to high heat. This process enhances the texture and flavor of a wide range of dishes, ultimately resulting in a visually appealing and flavorful golden-brown crust.
Common Misspellings for GRATINATE
- fratinate
- vratinate
- bratinate
- hratinate
- yratinate
- tratinate
- gdatinate
- gfatinate
- gtatinate
- g5atinate
- g4atinate
- grztinate
- grstinate
- grwtinate
- grqtinate
- grarinate
- grafinate
- graginate
- grayinate
- gra6inate
Etymology of GRATINATE
The word "gratinate" comes from the Latin root "grat-" which means "pleasing" or "agreeable". It is derived from the Latin word "gratus" which means "grateful" or "pleasant". The suffix "-inate" in English generally means "to cause to become" or "to make". Thus, "gratinate" can be understood as "to make pleasing" or "to make agreeable" when referring to the process of browning or melting the surface of food.
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