What is a ragout in culinary terms?

A ragout is a French term for a slow-cooked, hearty stew typically made with meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables, cooked in a rich, thickened sauce. It's designed to be flavorful and often served as a main course or side dish.

Why is 'ragout' a common crossword clue?

Ragout is a versatile word that can lead to many answers related to stews, cooking methods, or specific types of dishes. Its commonality in cuisine makes it a frequent topic in general knowledge crosswords, prompting answers like STEW, BRAISE, or GOULASH.

How can I solve clues related to food or cooking in crosswords?

For food or cooking clues, think broadly about ingredients, cooking methods, types of dishes, and culinary terms from various languages. Consider synonyms, specific dish names, or actions related to food preparation. Context from surrounding letters is also crucial.

ragout crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome! If you're tackling the 'ragout crossword clue', you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.

Solutions for "ragout crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

STEW: A common culinary term for a dish, often hearty, made by simmering ingredients, which perfectly describes a ragout.

6 Letters

BRAISE: A cooking method involving browning food then slow-cooking it in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot. This technique often results in dishes similar to a ragout.

7 Letters

GOULASH: A specific type of meat and vegetable stew originating from Hungary, often thick and richly spiced, making it a form of ragout.

CHOWDER: A type of rich, thick soup or stew, often containing seafood or corn, which can be considered a type of ragout.

9 Letters

CASSOULET: A rich, slow-cooked casserole originating in southern France, made with meat and white beans, which shares many characteristics with a hearty ragout.

More About "ragout crossword clue"

The term "ragout" comes from the French word "ragoûter," meaning "to revive the taste." This perfectly encapsulates its essence: a dish designed to be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. In crosswords, "ragout" often serves as a gateway to a variety of answers related to slow-cooked dishes, the methods used to prepare them, or specific national variations of stews.

Understanding the culinary context of "ragout" can greatly aid in solving related clues. It implies a dish that's often chunky, incorporates meat and/or vegetables, and has been simmered for an extended period to allow flavors to meld. This knowledge allows solvers to consider synonyms like "stew," specific examples like "goulash," or even cooking techniques like "braise" as potential solutions.

Crossword setters love terms like "ragout" because they have multiple valid interpretations and offer opportunities for varying letter counts, challenging solvers to think creatively beyond the most obvious answer. Always consider the number of letters required and any crossing letters you already have.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Synonyms and Related Concepts: For food clues like "ragout," think beyond just direct synonyms. Expand your thoughts to related cooking methods (braise, simmer), types of dishes (casserole, soup), or even specific ingredients often found in such dishes.
Pay Attention to Letter Count: The length of the answer is your most crucial hint. If "ragout" requires 4 letters, "STEW" is a strong candidate. If it's 7 letters, "GOULASH" might fit. Always double-check your proposed answer against the available spaces.
Utilize Cross-Reference Clues: Don't try to solve a challenging clue in isolation. Look at the intersecting clues. Even one correctly placed letter can unlock the entire word for "ragout" or help you choose between multiple plausible answers of the same length.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a ragout and a stew?

While often used interchangeably, "ragout" is a more refined French culinary term for a slow-cooked dish, usually with a rich, thickened sauce, often served as a main course. "Stew" is a broader term, applicable to a wider range of slow-cooked dishes, and can be less formal in preparation and presentation. Essentially, all ragouts are stews, but not all stews are ragouts.

Are there different types of ragout?

Yes, ragouts can vary greatly depending on the main ingredients. Common types include meat ragouts (like beef or lamb), fish ragouts, vegetable ragouts, and even mushroom ragouts. The variations are endless, limited only by the available ingredients and culinary traditions.

Can "ragout" ever refer to a sauce?

Indeed. In some contexts, particularly in Italian cuisine (where "ragù" is the term), it often refers to a rich, slow-cooked meat-based sauce served with pasta, such as ragù alla Bolognese. While it's a sauce, it shares the slow-cooked, hearty characteristics of a stew-like dish.