Glossary of terms

Maakouda are Moroccan fried potato patties with onion, parsley, and spices. A popular cheap street food sold in sandwiches at Moroccan markets.

Mac & Cheese is an American macaroni dish in a creamy cheese sauce, one of the most beloved comfort food staples.

Macadamia nuts are among the most expensive and luxurious nuts in the world, originating from Australia. They have a round shape, creamy white color, and a distinctly buttery, subtly sweet flavor. The macadamia shell is extremely hard, requiring special tools to crack. The nuts are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and minerals. They are used in confectionery, in chocolate, cookies, and desserts, as well as in savory dishes with meat and salads.

Mačanka is a Slovak sauce made from mushrooms, cream and onion, in which fresh bread is dipped. The name comes from the word for dipping. A typical Slovak countryside dish.

Macaroni is a type of short tube-shaped pasta originating from Italian cuisine. It has a characteristic curved shape with a hollow center that perfectly catches sauces. Macaroni is among the most widespread types of pasta in the world and is the foundation of many dishes, especially the American mac and cheese. In Central European cuisine, macaroni is traditionally served with butter and breadcrumbs, cottage cheese, or in baked dishes.

Macarons are delicate French confections made from almond flour, sugar, and egg whites, joined together with a flavorful filling. These colorful round cookies have a crispy shell and a soft, slightly chewy interior. Their signature feature is the so-called feet, a small ruffled edge on the bottom. Macarons are filled with ganache, buttercream, or fruit fillings. They originated in Italy but gained worldwide fame through French patisserie, especially the Parisian bakery Ladurée.

Maize is one of the most important crops in the world, originating from the Americas. Its kernels are consumed fresh, boiled, grilled, canned, and dried. Maize is used to produce flour, grits, starch, oil, popcorn, and bourbon. Sweet corn is used as a vegetable in salads, soups, and side dishes. Cornmeal is the basis for polenta, tortillas, and cornbread. Maize is a naturally gluten-free grain rich in carbohydrates, fibre, and B vitamins. It is the third most cultivated crop in the world after wheat and rice.

Manakish is a Lebanese flatbread of yeasted dough topped with a za'atar and olive oil mixture, cheese, or ground meat. The most popular breakfast in Lebanon.

Mango is a tropical fruit originating from South Asia, now cultivated throughout the tropical belt worldwide. The fruits have an oval shape with smooth skin that ranges from green through yellow to red. The flesh is juicy, sweet, and aromatic with characteristic fibers around a large flat pit. Mango is eaten fresh, in fruit salads, smoothies, or as an ingredient in exotic dishes. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber. In the kitchen, it works equally well in desserts and savory dishes.

Manti are small Turkish dumplings filled with minced meat, served with garlic yoghurt and paprika butter. The Turkish answer to ravioli or pelmeni.

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener made by evaporating the sap of sugar maple trees, primarily in Canada and the northeastern United States. It has a characteristic amber colour and rich caramel flavour with notes of vanilla and nuts. Traditionally served with pancakes, waffles, and French toast, it is also used in marinades, dressings, and baking. Producing one litre of syrup requires approximately 40 litres of maple sap. It is graded by colour and flavour intensity from light and delicate to dark and robust.

Mapo tofu is a classic Sichuan dish of silken tofu in a spicy sauce with ground meat, chilli paste, and Sichuan peppercorns.