Cordon bleu is a delicious food, to be enjoyed alone or in company. His recipe, originally consisting of a breaded meat cutlet stuffed with melted cheese and cooked ham, has transformed over the years to include more conscious versions. But where does the idea of enclosing a creamy casket in two slices of meat and panarle come from? Who invented it? The very name of this dish is particular and has a long history behind it shrouded in legend, hiding a mysterious meaning behind its letters. Let’s find out why cordon bleu got this name, and what is the history of this dish that we still prepare today in our homes.
The etymology of the name
The name cordon bleu in French literally means ‘blue cord’ . A peculiar name for a dish that has no turquoise at all and which does not at all resemble the shape of a rope. Where does this name come from then? The hypotheses are many, as well as the folk tales concerning this dish. The origin of the name and the conception of the cordon bleu are shrouded in mystery, going to feed many legends, however the hypothesis more likely on its true origin there are two .
The first concerns the title of the alleged creator of the cordon bleu . According to the history of French cuisine, the creator of the cordon bleu belonged to the Order of the Holy Spirit, established by King Henry III in 1578, which it was characterized by having a blue ribbon as its sign . The dish would then have acquired by association the name of the peculiar characteristic that distinguished its inventor. According to another hypothesis instead, the dish would have been created to celebrate the awarding of the Blue Ribbon to the ocean liner Bremen as the fastest ship, and thus would take its name from the event.
The two stories of the cordon bleu
Regardless of which of the two stories you decide to believe, curious details are not lacking in both versions. According to legend which binds the French Order of Holy Spirit , its creator would be the Duke Gonzaga of Nevers who, as superintendent of the kitchens and court tables, often frequented the market to choose the best ingredients wearing the sign of the order with the blue cord, popularly earning himself the nickname of Monsieur Cordon Bleu. The stuffed cutlet he created would therefore take its name from his popular nickname, which became so famous that it became an official title. The Sun King , indeed, instituted officially the Order of the Cordon Bleu for the superintendents of the royal tables at the death of the Duke.
According to version which attributes an origin to the cordon bleu seafaring instead, his name would be related to the record for browsing speed , joined by the transatlantic Bremen on the route between America and Europe between 1929 and 1933. As a recognition of merit, the Blue Ribbon medal was awarded to the ship , and the captain called a party and commissioned him chef on board to create an original dish for the occasion. Thus, a pork cutlet stuffed with cheese, called Bremen Cordon Bleu, was born, which would later be declined over time in its many variations. Whatever the true origin of the dish, and the true etymology behind its curious name, cordon bleu remains one of the most delicious and tasty dishes of international cuisine .
Instead, have you already tried our handmade Giant blue cordon?
