Espagnole meaning

Espagnole is a rich and bold French brown sauce made from brown stock, mirepoix, and tomatoes that is used as a base for many other sauces.


Espagnole definitions

Word backwards elongapse
Part of speech The word "espagnole" is a noun.
Syllabic division es-pa-gnole
Plural The plural of the word "espagnole" is "espagnoles."
Total letters 9
Vogais (3) e,a,o
Consonants (5) s,p,g,n,l

Known as one of the five mother sauces in classic French cuisine, espagnole is a rich and flavorful sauce that serves as the base for many other sauces. The sauce is also referred to as brown sauce due to its dark color and is made by combining a brown roux with brown stock, vegetables, and various seasonings.

Espagnole sauce is traditionally made by first creating a brown roux, which is a combination of equal parts flour and fat cooked together until it reaches a deep brown color. The roux serves as a thickening agent for the sauce and adds a nutty flavor to the final product. The brown stock, typically made from roasted bones, is then added to the roux along with a mirepoix of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery.

Ingredients and Variations

While the basic components of espagnole sauce remain consistent, there are variations that include the addition of tomato paste, herbs, and other seasonings to enhance the flavor profile. Some recipes may also call for the use of demi-glace, a reduction of equal parts espagnole sauce and brown stock, which further intensifies the richness of the sauce.

Uses in Cooking

Espagnole sauce is commonly used as a base for other classic sauces such as demi-glace, bordelaise, and chasseur. It pairs well with red meats such as beef, lamb, and game, adding depth and complexity to dishes. The versatility of the sauce allows it to be used in both French and international cuisines, making it a valuable staple in professional kitchens and home cooking alike.

Overall, espagnole sauce is a fundamental component in French cooking, serving as the building block for a variety of rich and flavorful sauces. Its deep, complex flavors add a sophisticated touch to dishes and elevate the dining experience for those who appreciate the nuances of traditional culinary techniques.


Espagnole Examples

  1. The chef prepared a rich and flavorful sauce using a classic espagnole base.
  2. She added a touch of espagnole sauce to her steak for extra depth of flavor.
  3. The secret to the restaurant's popular dishes lies in the house-made espagnole sauce.
  4. He learned how to make a traditional espagnole sauce during his culinary training.
  5. The recipe calls for a generous amount of espagnole sauce to be drizzled over the dish.
  6. The espagnole sauce simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma.
  7. After mastering the art of making espagnole sauce, she felt confident in her cooking skills.
  8. The restaurant's signature dish is a tender steak topped with a savory espagnole reduction.
  9. He used a dollop of espagnole sauce as a finishing touch on the dish before serving.
  10. The flavor profile of the dish was elevated by the addition of a velvety espagnole sauce.


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  • Updated 25/04/2024 - 22:34:35