The spelling of "drawn butter" can be confusing because the pronunciation doesn't match the written word. In IPA phonetic transcription, "drawn butter" is pronounced /drɔːn ˈbʌtər/. The "w" sound is silent, and the "d" is pronounced like a "j" sound (represented by the IPA symbol /dʒ/). This is because "drawn" is the past participle of "draw," and the "d" takes on the soft "j" sound when it comes before the letter "r." Despite the tricky spelling, drawn butter is a delicious addition to many dishes.
Drawn butter is a rich and velvety sauce commonly used in cooking and as a condiment. It is made by melting butter slowly over low heat until the milk solids separate and sink to the bottom, leaving behind a clear, golden liquid. The process of separating the milk solids from the butterfat is known as clarifying the butter. The drawn butter is then carefully poured off or strained, ensuring that the milk solids are left behind.
This clarified butter has a smooth texture and a slightly nutty flavor, which adds a depth of richness to various dishes. Drawn butter is frequently served alongside seafood, such as lobster, crab, or steamed shrimp, as a dipping sauce. The delicate taste of the butter complements the fresh seafood flavors, enhancing their natural sweetness.
In addition to seafood, drawn butter can also be used in various culinary preparations such as sautéing vegetables, basting grilled meats, or drizzling over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for high heat cooking methods. Moreover, the removal of the milk solids in drawn butter allows it to have a longer shelf life compared to regular butter.
Overall, drawn butter is a luscious and versatile sauce that enhances the flavors of a wide range of dishes, providing a smooth, buttery taste without the risk of burning or altering the dish's flavor profile.
The term "drawn butter" originates from Middle English, specifically from the 14th century. In the past, it was known as "draught butter", derived from the Old English word "dragen" which means "to draw". Here, "draw" refers to the act of withdrawing or separating. In this context, it refers to the process of separating the butterfat from other components of milk or cream. Over time, "draught butter" evolved into "drawn butter" as a way to describe the process of removing the butterfat.