demi-glace

Demi-Glace

Demi-glace is a rich, glossy brown sauce that is a foundational element of classic French cuisine. It's created by slowly reducing a flavorful brown stock, often veal or beef, and espagnole sauce, resulting in an intensely concentrated essence of meat and bone marrow. The flavor is profoundly savory, deeply umami, and slightly sweet, with a velvety smooth texture that coats the palate. Achieving a true demi-glace requires a significant time commitment and culinary expertise, as the reduction process can take several days. Its deep color and complex flavor profile make it a prized ingredient for enhancing the richness of sauces and meat dishes. Demi-glace is essential for making luxurious, restaurant-quality sauces at home.

Common Uses

  • As a base for other sauces: Demi-glace provides a foundation for making a wide array of classic French sauces like mushroom sauce, red wine sauce, or peppercorn sauce, imbuing them with unparalleled depth of flavor.
  • To enhance the flavor of meat dishes: A spoonful or two of demi-glace added to braised meats, stews, or pan sauces elevates the savory richness and provides a glossy finish, creating a more complex and satisfying taste.
  • For creating gourmet gravies: Using demi-glace as the starting point for gravy adds a significant boost of umami flavor and a luxurious texture, making it ideal for special occasion roasts or holiday meals.
  • As a glaze for roasted vegetables: A light brush of demi-glace on roasted vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking imparts a beautiful sheen and a concentrated savory flavor, transforming them into a sophisticated side dish.
  • To elevate soups and stews: Adding demi-glace to soups and stews, especially those featuring meat, will intensify the meaty flavor and create a richer, more complex and satisfying dish.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

73.0kcal (3.65%)

Protein

9.0g (18%)

Carbs

2.0g (0.73%)

Sugars

1.0g (2%)

Healthy Fat

0.0g

Unhealthy Fat

1.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Rich in collagen, supporting skin elasticity and joint health.
  • Contains amino acids essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Provides concentrated nutrients from bone marrow and connective tissues.
  • Offers a source of gelatin, which may aid digestion.
  • Can enhance the flavor of dishes, potentially reducing the need for added salt.
  • May contain trace minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Storage Tips

Demi-glace should be stored properly to maintain its quality. Unopened commercial demi-glace can be stored at room temperature until the expiration date. Once opened, or if homemade, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. It will typically last for up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the demi-glace in ice cube trays or small containers for easy portioning. Frozen demi-glace can last for several months.

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