rillettes

American  

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

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.

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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

Appetizers like croquettes, sardine toasts, smoked bluefish rillettes or a terrine can be followed by larger plates like roast chicken.

From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2021

Moisan, a gourmet grocery founded in 1871, for edible Quebecois souvenirs and imported French treats, such as maple candy and jars of pork rillettes.

From Washington Post • Sep. 16, 2021

The meaty spread embraces duck rillettes, head cheese made from delicious pig parts and hinting of star anise, and caramelized onions, which are dark, sticky and swollen with reduced balsamic vinegar.

From Washington Post • Jul. 22, 2021

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

From With Those Who Wait by Huard, Frances Wilson