sweetbread (culinary)

[/ˈswiːtbrɛd/]
nounpl: sweetbreads
moela
1. The thymus gland or pancreas of an animal, especially a calf or lamb, used as food
The chef prepared a delicate sweetbread dish with mushroom sauce.
O chef preparou um prato delicado de moela com molho de cogumelos.
2. A culinary delicacy consisting of these glands, typically breaded and fried or sautéed
Sweetbreads are considered a luxury ingredient in French cuisine.
Moelanhas são consideradas um ingrediente de luxo na culinária francesa.
Sweetbreads are a classic ingredient in haute cuisine and traditional European cooking, particularly French and Italian cuisines. In Brazil, they are less commonly consumed than in Portugal or Europe, though they appear in traditional recipes. The term 'moela' in Portuguese technically refers to gizzard but is often used colloquially for sweetbreads. This is considered an upscale ingredient in fine dining establishments.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
thymuspancreas (when referring to the gland)offal

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
moela
Most common term; literally refers to gizzard but used for sweetbread
General Brazilian
glândula tímica
More technical/formal description
Portugal
miúdo
General term for offal; sweetbread less commonly consumed
Portugal
glândula
Formal anatomical term

Related Words

organ meatgastronomydelicacyglandular tissueFrench cuisineveal

Related Idioms & Phrases

organ meat delicacy
nose-to-tail cooking
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