What You Need to Know
The cooking process involves simmering the mixture at 180°F (82°C) to 190°F (88°C) to break down the cell walls of the vegetables, making them easier to digest. The acidity of the broth also plays a crucial role in this process. Pottage was often made with a mixture of vegetables, grains, and sometimes meat or fish.
Steps
- 1.
Pottage aux Herbes (France): Base for herb-infused peasant stew
- 2.
Frumenty (England): Grain-thickened ceremonial dish
- 3.
Minestra di Farro (Italy): Spelt-based monastic staple
The Science
Primary Reaction
Gelatinization and denaturation of proteins