Ingredients from A to Z

Thai červená kari pasta je intenzivně ochucená základní ingredience pocházející z jihovýchodní Asie. Příprava zahrnuje mletí červených chilli papriček, citronové trávy, galangalu, česneku, šalotky, koriandru a dalších koření do hladké pasty. Charakterizuje ji výrazná pikantní, aromatická a mírně zemitá chuť. Nejčastěji se používá k přípravě thajského červeného kari, kdy se pasta smaží na kokosovém oleji, poté se přidává kokosové mléko, maso nebo tofu a zelenina. Funguje také jako základ pro polévky, marinády a omáčky. Díky koncentrované chuti stačí použít jen malé množství k ochucení celého jídla. K dispozici je v hotové formě v supermarketech a obchodech s asijskými potravinami.

Thousand Island dressing is a creamy salad dressing based on mayonnaise and ketchup or chilli sauce, enriched with pickled cucumbers, onion, and various seasonings. It most likely originated at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in the Thousand Islands region on the US-Canada border. It has a sweet and tangy, slightly spicy flavour with a creamy consistency. It is used as a dressing for green salads, sandwiches, and burgers, or as a dip for chips and vegetables. It is also a key ingredient in the classic Reuben salad and Russian dressing. At home, it can easily be made by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle, and a pinch of paprika.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an aromatic herb from the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. It has small, firm leaves and an intense, spicy fragrance with slightly woody and earthy notes. In the kitchen, it is one of the most widely used herbs, perfect in sauces, soups, braised meats, marinades, and flavoured butters. It pairs beautifully with rosemary, garlic, and bay leaf. It is an essential component of the classic French herb bundle known as bouquet garni. Beyond its culinary uses, thyme has a long history in folk medicine, traditionally used for respiratory complaints. It dries well and retains most of its aroma when dried.

The Tibetan mushroom is a popular name for a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts used to ferment milk or water kefir. The result is a probiotic drink rich in beneficial microorganisms, vitamins and lactic acid. The milk-based variant resembles a thin yoghurt with a gently sour, refreshing taste. Water kefir is light, slightly sparkling and fruity in aroma. The grains are reusable, after each fermentation they are rinsed and added to fresh milk or sugar water. They are a popular component of health-conscious diets and home fermentation practices aimed at supporting digestion and immunity.

Tiger prawns are one of the largest species of shrimp, named after the distinctive striped pattern on their bodies. They originate mainly from the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia, with a large proportion coming from aquaculture farms. Their meat is firm, juicy and full of flavour, with a mildly sweet taste. Thanks to their size, they are ideal for grilling, pan-frying or skewering. They work beautifully in Asian dishes such as curries and noodles, as well as Mediterranean recipes with garlic and herb marinades. They are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals such as selenium and zinc.

Tilapia is a freshwater fish originally from Africa, now farmed worldwide. It has a mild, neutral flavor and delicate white flesh that flakes easily. Thanks to its understated taste, it is ideal for those who do not enjoy a strong fishy aroma. In the kitchen, tilapia is extremely versatile, suitable for frying, grilling, baking, and braising. It is often prepared with bolder sauces and seasonings that complement its gentle flavor. Tilapia is affordable and ranks among the most widely farmed fish globally. It is a good source of easily digestible protein, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.

Toast bread is a soft wheat bread with a fine texture, specially developed for making toasts and sandwiches. It is baked in square tins, giving it a regular shape and evenly thin slices ideal for a toaster. Once toasted, it develops a crispy golden crust while the inside remains soft. It is suitable not only for sandwiches and toasts, but also as a base for French toast, bruschetta or mini baked pizzas. It is popular for its ease of preparation and availability in every shop. White toast bread has a neutral flavour, making it compatible with virtually any sweet or savoury topping.

Toast ham is a deli product designed primarily for making toasts, sandwiches and baked dishes. It is made from pork or poultry meat, thinly sliced to fit perfectly in toast or sandwich bread. It has a mild, slightly salty flavour and a soft texture. Apart from sandwiches, it is also great for quick breakfasts, as a filling for pancakes, in baked pasta dishes or as part of party snacks. It can be eaten cold or lightly fried in a pan or toasted in a sandwich maker. It is widely available in supermarkets, with quality and composition varying by brand, better options contain a higher proportion of meat and fewer additives.

Tofu is a traditional Asian product made by coagulating soy milk, in a process similar to cheese making. It originates from China, where it has been produced for over 2,000 years. It has a mild, neutral flavour that readily absorbs the aromas of marinades, spices and sauces. It comes in various textures, from silken and soft to firm and extra-firm. It is suitable for frying, grilling, baking, braising and in soups. It is an excellent source of plant-based protein, calcium and iron, making it especially popular in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Before cooking, it is recommended to press the tofu to help it absorb flavour more effectively.

Tokay wine is a legendary Hungarian wine originating from the Tokaj wine region in northeastern Hungary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most famous variety is Tokaji Aszú, a sweet wine made from grapes affected by the noble rot fungus Botrytis cinerea. It is characterized by a golden to amber color, a complex flavor profile with notes of honey, dried fruit, saffron, and caramel, and a long, lingering finish. In the kitchen, it is enjoyed as a dessert wine and pairs beautifully with foie gras, aged cheeses, and sweet pastries. Historically, it was a favorite drink of European royalty.

The tomato is botanically a berry originating from South America, and today it ranks among the most widely used vegetables in the world. It has juicy flesh, a bold flavour balancing sweetness and acidity, and is available in many varieties, from cherry tomatoes to meaty beefsteak tomatoes and plum tomatoes. In the kitchen, tomatoes are enjoyed raw in salads and sandwiches, as well as cooked in sauces, soups, ragouts or baked dishes. They are rich in lycopene, vitamin C and potassium. The best flavour comes from fully ripe, in-season tomatoes, ideally grown locally.