Forcemeat is a mixture of ground, lean meat mixed with fat by either
grinding,
sieving, or
pureeing the ingredients. The result may either be smooth or coarse, depending on the desired consistency of the final product. Forcemeats are used in the production of numerous items found in
charcuterie; such items include
quenelles,
sausages,
pâtés,
terrines,
roulades, and
galantines. Forcemeats are usually produced from raw meat, except in the case of a
gratin forcemeat. Meats commonly used in the production of forcemeats include
pork,
fish (
pike,
trout, or
salmon),
seafood,
game meats (
venison,
boar, or
rabbit),
poultry,
game birds,
veal, and pork livers.
Pork fatback is often used for the fat portion of a forcemeat as it has a somewhat neutral flavor.