- Glossary
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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.
Roast Duck with Cabbage and Dumplings
Roast duck with cabbage and dumplings is a festive Czech dish where the duck is roasted to a crispy skin and served with braised cabbage.
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Roasted sprouted peas - forgotten Czech dish
Roasted sprouted peas is a traditional Czech dish made from sprouted yellow peas. The peas are soaked in water and left to sprout, then roasted in a pan or baked in the oven with added fat, salt, and spices. The result is crunchy, nutty little balls with a distinctive flavor. This dish was traditionally prepared during Lent as a meat substitute, since legumes provide plenty of protein. It is served as a snack, side dish, or nibble with beer.
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Rocket - peppery Mediterranean salad green
Rocket, also known as arugula, is a leafy green from the brassica family with a distinctive, mildly peppery and slightly bitter flavour. It originates from the Mediterranean and is a beloved ingredient in Italian cuisine. Rocket is most commonly eaten raw in salads, on pizza, in pasta, or as a garnish. It is a rich source of vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and minerals. Its peppery aroma adds bold character to dishes. It grows easily and quickly, even in pots on a balcony.
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Rocoto Relleno - stuffed Peruvian pepper
Rocoto Relleno is a Peruvian dish of a large hot rocoto pepper stuffed with ground meat, onion, olives and cheese, baked in the oven.
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Rogan Josh, Kashmiri braised lamb
Rogan josh is an aromatic Kashmiri dish of lamb slowly braised in a rich red sauce with spices, yoghurt and dried chillies.
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Romadur cheese - soft ripened Bavarian cheese
Romadur is a soft ripened cheese with a bold aroma and pungent flavour, originating from Bavaria. It belongs to the smear-ripened cheeses, which give it a characteristic orange rind. It is made from cow's milk and aged for several weeks. It is enjoyed on open-faced sandwiches, with beer, or on cheese boards.
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Romaine lettuce - leaf vegetable
Romaine lettuce is a type of leaf lettuce with elongated, upright leaves and a prominent central rib. It has a mildly bitter taste and exceptionally crisp texture. It is the essential ingredient in the famous Caesar salad and a popular lettuce in Mediterranean cuisine.
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Rooibos - South African caffeine-free herbal tea
Rooibos is a herbal beverage originating from South Africa, made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis shrub. Unlike traditional tea, it contains no caffeine or tannins, making it suitable for children and sensitive individuals. It has a distinctive reddish-brown colour and a sweet, mildly nutty flavour. Rooibos is rich in antioxidants and minerals. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, plain or with milk and honey. It is also used in desserts, smoothies, and cocktails.
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Root vegetables - kitchen essentials
Root vegetables include varieties of vegetables where the underground part of the plant, or root, is primarily consumed. The most common examples include carrots, parsley root, celeriac, parsnips, and radishes. Root vegetables are the foundation of many soups, stocks, and stews. They are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They store easily and stay fresh for a long time, making them an indispensable ingredient year-round.
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Rosemary - aromatic Mediterranean herb
Rosemary is an evergreen aromatic herb originating from the Mediterranean region, distinguished by its needle-like leaves and intense fragrance. It is one of the most popular seasonings in European cuisine. It is used to flavour meats, particularly lamb, chicken, and pork, as well as potatoes, roasted vegetables, and focaccia. Rosemary contains antioxidants and essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties. It is easy to grow in pots or in the garden. Fresh rosemary has a more pronounced flavour than dried.
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Rosol - Polish Sunday Broth
Rosol is a traditional Polish clear chicken or beef broth with homemade noodles, served as a Sunday soup.
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Rösti - traditional Swiss potato pancake
Rösti is a traditional Swiss dish made from grated potatoes pan-fried into a golden, crispy cake. It originates from the canton of Bern, where it was eaten as a hearty breakfast. The potatoes are grated raw or parboiled and seasoned with salt and pepper. Rösti is served as a side dish with meat, eggs, or cheese. It is often enriched with onion, bacon, or herbs. When properly prepared, rösti has a crunchy crust on the outside and a soft, tender interior.
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