👉 Pounded is a word that refers to something being eaten or processed in a way that causes it to be more tender and flavorful. It's often used to describe a dish that has been cooked in a sauce, such as a tomato-based sauce like béchamel, or a savory sauce like a roux. Pounding typically involves using a heavy wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined and become tender and creamy. This process is also known as "popping" or "