There are a great many techniques that are explored in Shokugeki no Souma as well as countless cuisines. While they all are important in their own right, there is one that stands out among the others and we see as a recurring technique throughout the anime. Poele is a French technique that seems relatively simple but has a long history. Souma uses this method in many scenes and it is a defining moment during his time at Polar Star Dormitory. One could even go so far to say that it brought him and his roommates closer together. The method of poele is arguably one of the most important that we see in Shokugeki no Souma and is a key ingredient to Souma’s success and journey.
What is Poele?
The poele cooking method is one that was developed in France and is used to keep a protein moist by covering it slightly in liquid. This allows for the outside of the protein to become crispy while keeping the inside nice and juicy. Generally, butter is used in this method of cooking to create a very flavorful dish and combined with a variety of vegetables, it comes out simply divine. This is more commonly done with meat, particularly chicken and is only done with ingredients where the skin is left on. In France, the word “poele” translates to frying pan, though it originated from a small dish that had a lip for pouring the liquid known as a poulen.
Poele in Shokugeki no Souma (Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma)
The poele method is first introduced when Souma Yukihira decides to battle Satoshi Isshiki, the Elite Ten’s seventh seat. Initially Isshiki is surprised and congratulates Souma on his French cooking techniques and innovation by incorporating the technique on fish rather than a meat protein. We see this technique in a variety of scenes that follow including Souma’s apprenticeship with his senior Kojirou Shinomiya. The advanced and obscure cooking techniques that we encounter in Shokugeki no Souma are definitely not limited, but the explanation and impact that we see are especially important when using the poele cooking method.
Final Thoughts
Poele is a technique that can be used in a variety of ways with a numerous amount of proteins. This makes for an easy meal at home that is both tasty and filling. Souma finds this out from a young age from his father and incorporates it in his cooking throughout the anime. Often used in pot roast cooking, this can be an easy meal for even the most elementary of chefs. Souma and other chefs seen in Shokugeki no Souma use a variety of methods that can be introduced in our own cooking to make us better chefs and inspire us to become the best that we can be.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article on the French method of poele. As always, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
Author: Lauren
