Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Scalloping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🍽️
Add to dictionary

scalloping

[ˈskæl.ə.pɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

cooking method

Scalloping refers to the process of cooking food, particularly seafood, by layering it in a baking dish with other ingredients such as cream or cheese. This method usually involves baking the dish until it is heated through and the top is crispy or golden brown. It’s commonly used for dishes like scalloped potatoes or scalloped fish, where the ingredients are combined and baked together for a delicious result.

Synonyms

baking, cooking, layering.

Examples of usage

  • She made scalloped potatoes for dinner.
  • The chef is scalloping the fish with a creamy sauce.
  • I love scalloping vegetables in the oven.
Context #2 | Noun

marine life

Scalloping as a noun can refer to the practice of collecting or fishing for scallops, which are a type of bivalve mollusk. Scallops are often sought after for their sweet, tender meat and are considered a delicacy in various cuisines. The act of scalloping can also involve diving or using specific fishing gear to successfully harvest these shellfish from their natural habitats.

Synonyms

diving, fishing, harvesting.

Examples of usage

  • We went scalloping along the coast.
  • Scalloping has become a popular summer activity for many.
  • The scalloping season begins in late summer.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Techniques

  • The method is often used with potatoes, creating a dish known as scalloped potatoes where thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream or cheese.
  • Scalloping can also refer to preparing seafood, like scallops, which are often baked or seared in a similar style, enhancing their natural flavors.

Cultural Significance

  • In French cuisine, 'gratin' is a similar technique, highlighting the cultural crossover in using layered ingredients with a crispy topping.
  • Scalloped dishes are often a popular choice at family gatherings or special occasions, emphasizing comfort food traditions across various cultures.

Health and Nutrition

  • Scalloping can be a way to make vegetables more appealing, as the layering with cheese or sauces helps people enjoy healthier options.
  • Using low-fat dairy or vegetables can make scalloped recipes more nutritious while maintaining flavor.

Literature and Media

  • Scalloped dishes often appear in novels or movies depicting family meals, symbolizing warmth and togetherness.
  • Cookbooks frequently feature scalloped recipes, showcasing their popularity in home cooking and potluck events.

Origin of 'scalloping'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'scallop' comes from the Latin word 'scallopa', meaning 'shell', which reflects how the dish often presents food in layered 'shells' or dishes.
  • Originally, the word referred to the rounded edges of scallop shells, reminiscent of the shape of the layers in scalloped dishes.

The term scalloping derives from the Middle English word 'scallope', which is rooted in the Old French word 'escalope' and is related to the Latin 'scallopa'. The word originally referred to the scallop shell as well as the edible mollusk enclosed within it. The use of the word in culinary contexts to describe dishes like 'scalloped potatoes' dates back to the 19th century. This cooking technique became popular in various regions as home cooks looked for ways to combine ingredients uniquely and deliciously. Today, scalloping not only describes the method of cooking but also encompasses the gathering of scallops in culinary traditions around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,998, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.