Subtlety

A subtlety (or soteltie) is a Western European medieval dish, usually served after or between main courses, usually decorated in some fashion or even disguised as other food. In medieval English cuisine, subtelties were used as a way to demark one main course from another. An example from the coronation feast of Henry IV was of a "highly decorated" dish including pastries, jelly, almond paste and sugar. This was followed by yet another course, another subtlety and a third course. In medieval cookery there was no tradition that stated any particular course should be viewed as an appetizer. The medieval courses included up to a dozen separate dishes and with foods that today would be viewed as typical main courses such as roasted meats, fowl, pies and heavy side dishes, such as rice.

Related Topics:
Western Europe - Medieval - English cuisine - Main course - Henry IV - Pastries - Jelly - Almond - Sugar - Pie

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