Glossary of terms

Svíčková na smetaně is the flagship dish of Czech cuisine: beef in a creamy root vegetable sauce with cranberries and dumplings.

Svíčková is a traditional Czech dish that ranks among the most beloved dishes of Czech cuisine. It is prepared from root vegetables such as carrot, celery, parsley root, and onion, which are cooked with beef and then blended into a smooth creamy sauce with cream. It is served with bread dumplings, cranberries, and a slice of lemon. Svíčková is considered a Czech national classic and a symbol of home cooking.

Sladká bazalka je aromatická bylina z rodiny mátových, původem z tropické Asie. Jedná se o jednu z nejdůležitějších bylin v italské kuchyni, která tvoří základ pro pesto alla genovese. Vyznačuje se výraznou sladko-pikantní vůní s nádechem hřebíčku a anýzu. Používá se čerstvá i sušená v salátech, omáčkách, polévkách a na pizze.

Sweet chestnut is the fruit of the sweet chestnut tree, a species widespread in southern Europe and Asia Minor. Unlike horse chestnuts, they are edible and have a pleasantly sweet, nutty, and starchy flavor. Chestnuts are traditionally roasted over an open fire, boiled, or processed into puree and chestnut flour. They are a source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. In European cuisine, they are used in stuffings, soups, desserts, and the famous French marrons glacés.

Sweet marjoram is an aromatic herb from the mint family that is one of the essential seasonings in Central European cuisine. It has a delicate, sweet-spicy aroma and a warm flavor. Marjoram is most commonly used in meat dishes, especially in the production of sausages and cured meats. It is also used in soups, sauces, roasted meats, and potato dishes. It is cultivated as an annual herb and can be used fresh or dried.

Pierogi are filled dumplings cherished in both Polish and Slovak cuisines, stuffed with cottage cheese, plum jam, potatoes, or meat.

Sweet potatoes are tuberous plants originating from Central and South America. They have a sweet taste and orange, white, or purple flesh rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber. They are among the healthiest side dishes and can be baked, boiled, grilled, or fried. Globally, they are the fifth most cultivated crop.

Sweetie, also known as oroblanco, is a citrus fruit created by crossing pomelo and white grapefruit. It features green to yellow-green skin, juicy flesh, and a distinctly sweet taste without the typical grapefruit bitterness. The fruit was developed in California in 1958 and is now grown primarily in Israel. Sweetie is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It is most commonly eaten fresh or as part of fruit salads and juices.

Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable from the amaranth family, related to beets and spinach. It features large dark green leaves with prominent colorful stalks that can be white, yellow, orange, or red. Its flavor resembles spinach but is more pronounced and slightly earthy. Swiss chard is prepared by sauteing, blanching, or adding to soups and baked dishes. The leaves and stalks are cooked separately as the stalks require longer cooking time. It is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C, iron, and magnesium.

Syrniki are fried pancakes made from cottage cheese, flour, and eggs with a golden crust, served with sour cream, honey, or jam.

T-bone steak is a premium beef cut that contains a T-shaped bone separating two types of meat: the tenderloin and the strip steak. This cut comes from the short loin of the cow and is prized for combining two different textures and flavors in one piece. T-bone is most commonly prepared by grilling or pan-searing at high heat. The meat should be brought to room temperature before cooking and allowed to rest after grilling. It is popular in both American and European steak culture.

A taco is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a corn or wheat tortilla filled with various ingredients. The most common fillings include ground beef, chicken, pork carnitas, fish, or beans. Tacos are topped with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, along with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Tacos have roots in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica and today are one of the most recognized dishes of Mexican cuisine worldwide.