- Glossary
- Letter I
Culinary glossary of terms
The culinary glossary is a clear encyclopedia of cooking terms, techniques and ingredients that you will come across in recipes from home and world cuisines. It suits beginners who want to understand what a recipe asks for, as well as experienced cooks who need to check a particular method or the name of an ingredient.
Each entry comes with a plain explanation of how the term is used and what to watch out for while cooking, often with a practical tip right at the stove. Browse the entries alphabetically, or use the search when you are looking for a specific term.
Ice cream - frozen dessert for everyone
Ice cream is a frozen dessert made from a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, and various flavourings. It is one of the most popular chilled treats in the world, with a history stretching back thousands of years. There are cream-based, fruit-based, and water-based (sorbet) varieties. Traditional production involves heating the mixture, cooling, and freezing while constantly churning to create a smooth texture. Modern ice cream parlours offer hundreds of flavours. It is served in cones, cups, or as part of desserts.
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Iceberg lettuce - crispy vegetable
Iceberg lettuce is a type of head lettuce with firm, crunchy leaves and a very mild flavor. It forms compact, heavy heads with light green to white leaves. Thanks to its high water content, it has a refreshing character and is excellent in salads, burgers, and sandwiches.
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Idli, South Indian steamed cakes
Idli are soft steamed cakes made from fermented batter of rice and black lentils (urad daal). They are a traditional breakfast in southern India.
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Inulin - natural prebiotic fiber
Inulin is a natural polysaccharide classified as a soluble fiber and prebiotic. It is found mainly in chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onions, and globe artichokes. In the digestive tract, it nourishes beneficial gut bacteria. Inulin has a mildly sweet taste and is used in the food industry as a fat and sugar substitute, thickener, and to enrich foods with fiber. Regular consumption supports calcium absorption.
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