What does gratinate mean?
Gratinate is a verb that means to cover or coat a food with a layer of breadcrumbs or grated cheese, typically before cooking. This process is often used to add texture and flavor to dishes, and is commonly used in cooking and culinary contexts. The word is derived from the French word 'gratin', which refers to a type of dish topped with breadcrumbs or cheese. In cooking, gratinate is often used to describe the process of adding a crunchy topping to a dish, such as a casserole or a roasted vegetable. The word can also be used more broadly to describe the act of covering or coating something with a layer of something else. Overall, gratinate is a useful word for cooks and food enthusiasts to know, as it helps to describe a common cooking technique.
verbTo cover or coat with a layer of breadcrumbs or grated cheese, typically before cooking.
- To cover or coat with a layer of breadcrumbs or grated cheese, typically before cooking.
"The recipe instructed me to gratinate the chicken with a mixture of parmesan and breadcrumbs."
"The recipe instructed me to gratinate the chicken with a mixture of parmesan and breadcrumbs."
"The chef gratinated the vegetables with a mixture of cheese and breadcrumbs."
The plural form 'gratinates' is used when referring to multiple instances of the action of gratinating.
"The chef gratinated multiple dishes with a mixture of cheese and breadcrumbs."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gratinate
The word 'gratinate' is derived from the French word 'gratin', which refers to a type of dish topped with breadcrumbs or cheese. The word 'gratin' is itself derived from the Old French word 'grater', which means 'to grate' or 'to scrape'. The word 'gratinate' entered the English language in the 15th century, and has been used in cooking and culinary contexts ever since.
How gratinate is actually used
Gratinate is often used in cooking and culinary contexts, particularly when referring to the process of adding a crunchy topping to a dish.