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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Eggplant - versatile cooking vegetable

Eggplant - versatile cooking vegetable

Eggplant is a vegetable from the nightshade family with a characteristic elongated shape and dark purple glossy skin. The flesh is white, spongy, and develops a creamy consistency when cooked. Eggplant is the foundation of many Mediterranean and Asian dishes such as moussaka, ratatouille, baba ghanoush, and parmigiana. It can be grilled, baked, fried, braised, or stuffed. It is sometimes salted before cooking to remove bitterness. Eggplant is low in calories and rich in fiber and antioxidants.
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Eintopf - German one-pot stew

Eintopf - German one-pot stew

Eintopf is a traditional German one-pot stew made with meat, vegetables, potatoes and legumes, slowly simmered together into a nourishing and filling meal.
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Eisbein - German pork knuckle

Eisbein - German pork knuckle

Eisbein is a traditional German pork knuckle, boiled or roasted to a crispy crackling, served with sauerkraut, mustard and mashed potatoes.
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Elote - Mexican street corn

Elote - Mexican street corn

Elote is a Mexican street food of grilled corn on the cob coated with mayonnaise, sprinkled with cotija cheese and chilli powder, and finished with lime.
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Emmental - Swiss cheese with holes

Emmental - Swiss cheese with holes

Emmental is a Swiss semi-hard to hard cheese characterized by large holes and a mildly nutty flavor. It originates from the Emme Valley in the canton of Bern and is one of the most famous cheeses in the world. It is made from cow's milk and aged for at least four months.
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Empanadas - Spanish filled pastry turnovers

Empanadas - Spanish filled pastry turnovers

Empanadas are baked or fried pastry turnovers filled with meat, tuna, or vegetables, enjoyed across both Spanish and Peruvian cuisines.
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En papillote - gentle cooking in parchment

En papillote - gentle cooking in parchment

En papillote is a cooking technique in which ingredients are wrapped in parchment paper or aluminium foil and baked in the oven in their own juices. This method preserves the natural moisture and aroma of the food, as steam remains trapped inside the parcel. Fish, chicken breasts, and vegetables are the most common ingredients prepared en papillote. The dish is often served directly in the opened parcel on the plate. The technique originates from French cuisine and is valued for its simplicity and healthy approach to cooking without added fat.
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Enchiladas - baked Mexican tortillas

Enchiladas - baked Mexican tortillas

Enchiladas are corn tortillas filled with meat, cheese or beans, rolled up and covered with a spicy sauce, then baked in the oven.
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English Breakfast - the Full English

English Breakfast - the Full English

The Full English Breakfast is a hearty meal including eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, toast, and grilled tomatoes.
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Espetada - Madeiran beef skewer

Espetada - Madeiran beef skewer

Espetada is a traditional Portuguese meat skewer from Madeira island, with chunks of beef threaded on a bay laurel stick and grilled over an open flame.
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Espresso - the foundation of Italian coffee culture

Espresso - the foundation of Italian coffee culture

Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage made by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. It originates from early 20th century Italy and is the base of most modern coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, and americano.
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Espuma - molecular gastronomy culinary foam

Espuma - molecular gastronomy culinary foam

Espuma is a light culinary foam prepared using a whipped cream siphon and nitrous oxide. The technique was popularized by Spanish chef Ferran Adrià as part of molecular gastronomy. Espuma can be made from both savory and sweet ingredients, from cheeses and vegetables to chocolate and fruit.
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