The word "deviled" is often spelled with an "il" or "el" at the end, causing confusion for many. The correct spelling, according to Merriam-Webster, is "deviled" with an "i." The word comes from the verb "devil," meaning to season or prepare food with spicy or zesty flavors. The pronunciation of "deviled" is [ˈdɛvəld], with the stress on the first syllable and a short "e" sound in the middle. So next time you're making deviled eggs or devil's food cake, remember to spell it with an "i!"
Deviled is an adjective used to describe a cooking method or flavoring that involves the addition of spicy or piquant ingredients. The term originated in the late 18th century and has since become synonymous with a distinct and fiery taste experience. When food is deviled, it typically indicates that it has been seasoned with a blend of hot spices or condiments to give it a zesty, pungent, or tangy flavor.
The process of deviling usually involves the use of ingredients such as mustard, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, vinegar, horseradish, or other sharp and strong-tasting substances that enhance the overall taste of the dish. It is often applied to various protein-based foods, particularly eggs, meats, and seafood, but can also extend to other preparations including vegetables and dips.
Deviled foods are known for their bold and invigorating flavor profile, often leaving a lingering heat sensation in the mouth. The term "deviled" serves as a descriptor to convey the intensity of spiciness or the presence of a distinct tanginess in a culinary creation. It has evolved into a popular cooking technique and has inspired numerous well-known dishes, such as deviled eggs, deviled ham, deviled crab, and deviled kidneys.
In summary, deviled refers to a cooking style or a highly seasoned flavor that incorporates piquant or spicy ingredients, elevating the taste of the dish to a more intense and vibrant level.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "deviled" comes from the Old English word "dēofol", which means "devil". It originated from the belief that highly seasoned or spicy foods, often with a hint of heat, resembled the fiery, intense, and pungent qualities associated with the devil's character. Over time, the term "deviled" began to be used to describe dishes that were seasoned or prepared with intense flavors, such as mustard, vinegar, or hot spices. It eventually became associated with various savory and spicy dishes, including deviled eggs, deviled ham, and deviled crab. So, the etymology of "deviled" connects it to the concept of devilish spiciness or intense flavor.