rillettes

American  

[ri-lets, ree-yet] / rɪˈlɛts, riˈyɛt /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. an appetizer made usually of pork or goose meat that is diced, seasoned, cooked, and then pounded or ground to the consistency of a spread.

---

Etymology

Origin of rillettes

Borrowed into English from French around 1885–90

Example Sentences

The honor of the pre-dinner nosh, meanwhile, usually falls to charcuterie, a category of cooked or cured meat like dry-aged ham, potted pâté, or rillettes.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2023

You’ll find marvelous “piggy” rillettes, bordered in an inch of fat, under the heading “French things we pretend are Italian,” for instance.

From Washington Post • Mar. 11, 2022

As waiters circulate with duck rillettes pot pie and tuna tartare tacos, two barmen pour wines meant to mimic those tasted by the play’s characters, old friends on a California spree.

From New York Times • Mar. 4, 2020

Stockholm to Dublin brings together salmon rillettes, dried apricots, greens and pumpernickel croutons.

From Washington Post • Dec. 26, 2019

The culinary realm is always busily engaged preparing pat�s and galantines, rillettes and sausages.

From With Those Who Wait by Huard, Frances Wilson