Last Updated on 24th May 2023 by
While you’ve likely heard the term gourmet used in connection with food, the specifics of what defines gourmet food can be somewhat elusive. What sets a gourmet dish apart from a regular one? Some people associate gourmet with high prices, while others believe it’s about the source – if it comes from a fancy restaurant, it must be gourmet. But are these the accurate definitions
Table of Contents
Decoding Gourmet
Gourmet food, at its core, is defined by two key elements: an exceptionally pleasing taste and high-quality ingredients. Some argue that a dish must possess both qualities to be considered gourmet, while others believe that just one suffices.
To paint a clearer picture, imagine comparing a basic pancake to a gourmet pancake. The latter might be made from organic flour, farm-fresh eggs, and infused with natural vanilla, then cooked to perfection to achieve a golden hue and a soft, fluffy texture. The taste, texture, and the quality of ingredients would make this a gourmet dish.
However, the definition of gourmet is often subjective, and varies based on individual perceptions. The chef may consider a dish gourmet because of the technique applied, but if the consumer finds the dish unpalatable or of poor quality, they may not consider it gourmet.
Gourmet: The High End of Food
Gourmet could be associated with high-end food, which usually comes with a hefty price tag, considering the quality ingredients and the experienced chef’s skill. Expectations around gourmet food involve meticulous preparation, skillful execution, and a dish that pleases your palate in every bite. These expectations contribute to the image of gourmet, an image further promoted when restaurants advertise their food as gourmet.
However, the term “gourmet” may conjure different connotations. You might assume that food labeled as gourmet is superior to others, and while that can often be true, it’s not a hard and fast rule.
Gourmet: More Than Just a Marketing Term
Businesses are aware of the allure of gourmet food. They recognize that customers are willing to pay a premium for something classified as gourmet and may be less critical of a higher price tag. Unfortunately, this understanding has led to instances of misuse, with some businesses labeling their regular offerings as gourmet to justify inflated prices.
However, this doesn’t mean that the term is always used deceitfully. Many restaurants rightfully use the term gourmet to assure their customers of their high-quality offerings, setting themselves apart from establishments serving regular, non-gourmet food.
The Art of Gourmet Cooking
So, how does one go about making gourmet food? The journey starts with quality ingredients – the fresher and higher-end, the better. Shopping at reputed stores known for their high-end offerings or sourcing ingredients in their peak season, when they are at their ripest, tastiest, and highest quality, can be a good starting point.
Mastering the art of gourmet cooking also requires skilled food preparation. The cooking techniques, the garnishes used, and even the way the food is sliced contribute to whether a dish can be classified as gourmet.
Let’s consider a classic dish like Coq au Vin. A gourmet version would involve marinating the chicken in a quality red wine, slowly braising it to perfection, and serving it with delicately sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions. The dish would be presented beautifully, with a garnish of fresh herbs, a testament to the chef’s skills.
Classic Coq au Vin
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups of good-quality red wine
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 200 g of button mushrooms
- 200 g of pearl onions, peeled
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs of fresh parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tbsp of butter
- 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour
- chicken stock, as needed
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken pieces in the red wine with a sprig each of thyme and parsley, the bay leaves, and some salt and pepper for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-proof casserole dish, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces (reserve the marinade), and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the chopped onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well until the flour is fully incorporated.
- Gradually pour in the red wine marinade, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Add the chicken pieces back into the pan. Add enough chicken stock to cover the chicken. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover the pan and place it in the preheated oven. Let it cook for about 1.5 hours.
- While the chicken is cooking, in a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms and pearl onions in a bit of butter until golden.
- After 1.5 hours, add the sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions to the casserole. Cook for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve your Coq au Vin hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to enjoy the rich sauce.
Notes
- Make sure to use a good quality red wine that you’d enjoy drinking. The wine significantly influences the flavor of the dish.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor.
Gourmet cooking often necessitates practice and patience; it might take several attempts to perfect a dish. Presentation also plays a key role in gourmet food, including factors like plating, color coordination, and garnishes.
Ultimately, a gourmet chef is more than a cook – they are an artist. The attention to detail and precision required to create gourmet food sets it apart from ordinary dishes
FAQs
What is considered gourmet food?
Gourmet food refers to cuisine crafted with high-quality ingredients, expert preparation, and exquisite presentation. It typically offers unique, refined flavors and is often associated with gastronomic finesse and a culinary artist’s touch. The term can also imply exclusivity and luxury.
What is gourmet vs regular food?
Gourmet food involves high-quality ingredients, skilled preparation, and elaborate presentation, offering distinctive, sophisticated flavors. Regular food, while still delicious, typically involves simpler ingredients, less complex cooking methods, and straightforward presentation, geared towards everyday meals.
What are examples of gourmet?
Examples of gourmet food include dishes like foie gras, caviar, truffles, artisan cheeses, sushi prepared by expert chefs, Coq au Vin, and other intricate or exotic meals. Gourmet can also refer to high-end chocolates, pastries, or wines.
Some more gourmet recipes to try!
How To Make Truffle Fries With Truffle Oil
How To Butterfly A Lobster Tail
How To Make Beef Carpaccio At Home & 5 Delicious Recipes
How To Cook Eye Of Round Steak
I'm Pauline, a retired patisserie chef, mother of four and now a full time food blogger! When i'm not cooking i love long walks, reading thriller novels and spending time with my grandkids. Head to my about me page to learn more about the woman behind the food! You can find my Facebook here