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Parboiled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parboiled

[หˆpษ‘หrหŒbษ”ษชld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

cooking method

Parboiled refers to food, typically grains or vegetables, that has been partially cooked by boiling. This process helps to reduce cooking time and helps preserve the food's color and nutrients. It is often used in preparing rice or potatoes prior to frying or roasting.

Synonyms

preboiled, precooked.

Examples of usage

  • I prefer parboiled rice for quick meals.
  • The recipe calls for parboiled potatoes.
  • Parboiled vegetables retain more nutrients.
  • She bought parboiled beans for convenience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Techniques

  • Parboiling is commonly used for rice, especially in making it fluffy and ensuring even cooking later.
  • Vegetables are often parboiled before freezing to preserve color and nutrients, making them taste better when cooked later.

Food Culture

  • In some cultures, parboiling is crucial in preparing dishes like curries, ensuring the main ingredient absorbs spices evenly.
  • In traditional Southern cooking, parboiling is used for collard greens to soften them before sautรฉing with seasonings.

Health and Nutrition

  • Parboiling can reduce the amount of potassium in vegetables, which is beneficial for people on certain diets.
  • This method can also help reduce cooking time, which can be healthier as it minimizes nutrient loss from prolonged exposure to heat.

Science of Cooking

  • When food is parboiled, starches gelatinize, which helps the food hold together better during the final cooking process.
  • Parboiling affects texture and flavor, as it allows for pre-cooking, meaning the final dish will be evenly cooked and more flavorful.

History

  • Historically, parboiling methods were developed as a time-saving technique for households before the advent of modern cooking appliances.
  • World cuisines adopted parboiling as a method to prepare for larger feasts, ensuring quicker serving of dishes to guests.

Origin of 'parboiled'

The term 'parboiled' originates from the 14th century, derived from the Middle English term 'parboilen', which is a combination of 'par-' from Old French 'par', meaning 'through', and 'boil', which comes from Old French 'boillir', derived from Latin 'bullire' meaning 'to bubble or to boil'. The idea behind parboiling was to cook food partially before the final cooking step, making it convenient for preservation and preparation. This technique has been popularized in various cuisines around the world, particularly in rice cooking, where parboiled rice is favored for its improved texture and reduced cooking time. The method gained prominence in the 20th century as modern culinary practices evolved and convenience remained a priority in cooking.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,983 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.