1 olla podrida | Definition of olla podrida
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olla podrida

noun
ol·​la po·​dri·​da | \ ˈä-lÉ™-pÉ™-ˈdrÄ“-dÉ™ How to pronounce olla podrida (audio) , ˈȯi-É™-\
plural olla podridas\ ˈä-​lÉ™-​pÉ™-​ˈdrÄ“-​dÉ™z How to pronounce olla podridas (audio) , ˈȯi-​É™-​ \ also ollas podridas\ ˈä-​lÉ™z-​pÉ™-​ˈdrÄ“-​dÉ™z How to pronounce ollas podridas (audio) , ˈȯi-​É™z-​ \

Definition of olla podrida

1 : a rich highly seasoned stew of meat and vegetables usually including sausage and chick-peas that is slowly simmered and is a traditional Spanish and Latin American dish
2 : hodgepodge
Synonyms The Appetizing Origins of Olla Podrida Example Sentences Learn More about olla podrida

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The Appetizing Origins of Olla Podrida

In 1599, lexicographer John Minsheu wanted to know "from whence or why they call it olla podrida." Good question. No one is sure why the Spanish used a term that means "rotten pot" to name a tasty stew, but there has been plenty of speculation on the subject. One theory holds that the name developed because the long, slow cooking process required to make the stew was compared to the process of rotting, but there's no definitive evidence to support that idea. It is more certain that both French and English speakers borrowed olla podrida and later adapted the term for other mixtures whose content was as varied as the stew. The French also translated olla podrida as pot pourri, an expression English speakers adapted to potpourri.

Examples of olla podrida in a Sentence

the olla podrida of tongues that one hears on the streets of a bustling metropolis like New York City

First Known Use of olla podrida

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for olla podrida

Spanish, literally, rotten pot

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More from Merriam-Webster on olla podrida

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for olla podrida

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