Glossary of terms

A culinary glossary is a list of specialized terms and expressions used in gastronomy that helps you better understand recipes and cooking techniques. On our website, it serves as a useful guide for both beginners and experienced cooks.

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Aji de Gallina - chicken in spicy sauce

Aji de Gallina - chicken in spicy sauce

Aji de Gallina is a Peruvian dish of shredded chicken in a creamy spicy sauce made from ají amarillo peppers, bread, milk and cheese.
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Ajvar - Balkan treasure from peppers

Ajvar - Balkan treasure from peppers

Ajvar is a traditional Balkan spread made from roasted red peppers and eggplant, seasoned with garlic and olive oil. It originates from Serbia and is popular throughout southeastern Europe as a side for meat, bread, or cheese.
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Akawi - Middle Eastern cheese

Akawi - Middle Eastern cheese

Akawi je polotvrdý slaný sýr z Blízkého východu, zejména z Libanonu a Palestiny. Má hladkou, elastickou strukturu a mírně slanou chuť. Primárně se používá na grilování a smažení, protože si udržuje tvar při vysokých teplotách. Tradičně se podává jako součást snídaně nebo meze a je oblíbenou náplní pro sladký dezert kunafa.
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Al dente - Italian pasta perfection

Al dente - Italian pasta perfection

Al dente is an Italian culinary term describing the degree of cooking pasta, rice, or vegetables where they are still slightly firm when bitten but soft inside. It literally means 'to the tooth' and is considered the ideal way to prepare pasta in Italian cuisine.
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Albondigas - Spanish meatballs

Albondigas - Spanish meatballs

Albondigas are Spanish meatballs served in a rich tomato sauce. They are made from a mix of ground pork and beef with herbs and garlic.
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Allspice - aromatic spice from the Caribbean

Allspice - aromatic spice from the Caribbean

Allspice is an aromatic spice obtained from the dried unripe berries of the Pimenta dioica tree, native to the Caribbean and Central America. Its flavor resembles a blend of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper, which is how it earned its English name. Allspice is used whole or ground to season marinades, sauces, stews, and roasted meats. In baking, it is added to gingerbread, cakes, and mulled wine.
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Almonds - healthy and versatile nuts

Almonds - healthy and versatile nuts

Almonds are the seeds of the almond tree and are among the most popular and healthiest nuts in the world. They have a subtly sweet, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. Almonds are consumed raw, roasted, salted, or in the form of almond flour, milk, and butter. In cooking, they are widely used in desserts such as marzipan, almond cakes, cookies, and pralines. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, protein, and fiber. California is the world's largest almond producer.
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Amaranth - ancient superfood

Amaranth - ancient superfood

Amaranth je pseudocereálie pocházející z Jižní a Střední Ameriky, kde byla základní potravinou Aztéků a Inků. Semena amaranthu jsou bezlepková, bohatá na bílkoviny, vlákninu a minerály. Obsahuje také minerály jako železo a vápník, což je činí vhodnými pro osoby s celiakií.
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Amaretto - Italian almond liqueur

Amaretto - Italian almond liqueur

Amaretto is an Italian sweet liqueur with a characteristic almond flavor, made from apricot kernels or almonds. It has an amber color and an alcohol content of around 24-28%. It is used to make cocktails, desserts, and tiramisu. Produced by macerating almonds or apricot kernels in spirits, it has a sweet almond aroma and subtle bitterness.
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American Pancakes - fluffy breakfast classic

American Pancakes - fluffy breakfast classic

American pancakes are thick and fluffy flapjacks served for breakfast with maple syrup, butter, and fruit.
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American Pizza - New York and Chicago style

American Pizza - New York and Chicago style

American pizza features thicker crust and generous amounts of cheese and toppings compared to the Italian original.
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Amuse-bouche - chef's greeting bite

Amuse-bouche - chef's greeting bite

Amuse-bouche is a small single-bite appetizer served complimentary in restaurants as a greeting from the chef. The name comes from French and literally means 'mouth amuser'. It serves to awaken the palate before the main menu and showcases the chef'so style and creativity.
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