Estouffade (/ɛstuːˈfɑːd/) is a French culinary term that refers to a slow-cooked meat stew. The spelling of this word can be confusing for English speakers as it contains the letters "ouff" which are pronounced together as a single sound, similar to the "oo" sound in "book." The "e" at the beginning of the word is silent and the stressed syllable is "stou," pronounced like "stew." Interestingly, the word "stew" actually comes from the same root as estouffade, which is the French verb "étouffer" meaning to smother or suffocate.
Estouffade is a culinary term typically used in French cuisine to refer to a specific method of slow-cooking meat, usually beef or lamb. It can also be used to describe the dish that is prepared using this method. The term is derived from the French verb "estouffer," which means to smother or suffocate.
In estouffade, the meat is first marinated in a flavorful mixture of wine, vinegar, herbs, and spices to enhance its taste and tenderness. It is then browned in fat, often with onions, garlic, and other aromatics, to develop a rich color and deepen the flavors. Once the meat is seared, it is slowly braised in a covered pot with a small amount of liquid, such as stock or the marinade, over low heat. This slow and gentle cooking method allows the meat to become extremely tender while infusing it with the various flavors from the marinade and aromatics.
The resulting estouffade is a dish characterized by its succulent and melt-in-your-mouth texture, as well as its robust and complex taste. The slow cooking process ensures that the meat is cooked evenly and thoroughly, resulting in a dish that is rich and deeply flavored. Estouffade is often served with vegetables, such as carrots and mushrooms, and accompanied by a sauce made from the cooking liquid, which enhances the overall flavor profile.
Overall, estouffade is a traditional French cooking technique that creates delicately braised meat dishes with intense flavors, making it a popular choice for those seeking a comforting and satisfying meal.
The word "estouffade" is derived from the French verb "étouffer", which means "to suffocate" or "to smother". It evolved from the Old French term "estoffer", which meant "to fill" or "to stuff". This French culinary term specifically refers to a cooking technique where meat or vegetables are browned, then cooked slowly in a tight, covered container with a minimal amount of liquid. Over time, the cooking technique became associated with this specific word.