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Essential Culinary Terms
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Quenelle
An oval-shaped dumpling or the presentation of soft food made with two spoons.
Fond
The browned bits and caramelized drippings of meat or vegetables left in a pan after cooking.
Render
To cook fat out of meat or fish over low heat to use the fat for cooking.
Bard
To cover a roast or other meat with thin slices of bacon or fat to prevent it from drying out during cooking.
Nappe
Consistency of a liquid that will coat the back of a spoon.
Oignon brule
A burnt onion used for flavoring stocks and sauces.
Degrease
To remove fat from the surface of a liquid, such as stock, soup, or sauce.
Tourner
To cut vegetables into oblong, seven-sided football shapes for presentation and even cooking.
Wok
A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel originating from China, used especially in Asian cooking for stir-frying.
Pâté
A mixture of ground meat and fat, often with other ingredients, that is made into a spreadable paste.
Caramelization
The browning of sugar, resulting in a distinctive flavor and brown color.
Truss
To tie up a bird or roast with string to hold its shape during cooking.
Clarify
To make a liquid clear by removing sediments or solids.
Hollandaise
An emulsion of egg yolk, melted butter, and lemon juice or vinegar, often seasoned with salt, white pepper, and a little cayenne.
Non-reactive
Refers to cooking equipment that does not react chemically with acidic foods.
Flambé
A method of cooking that involves igniting alcohol added to food to create a burst of flames.
Macerate
To soften or become softened by soaking in a liquid, typically used to describe the process with fruit.
Tempering
The process of slowly adding a hot liquid to a cold one to prevent the mixture from curdling.
Sear
To brown the surface of food in a hot pan or oven to create a flavorful crust.
Braising
A cooking method involving browning food in fat and then simmering it in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot.
Curdle
When proteins in a liquid coagulate due to heat or the addition of acids, resulting in a lumpy texture.
Infuse
To extract flavor from one ingredient such as herbs, spices, or tea by steeping them in a liquid.
Mirepoix
A flavor base made from diced vegetables, usually carrots, celery, and onions; used to add flavor and aroma to stocks, sauces, and soups.
Chiffonade
A preparation of shredded or finely cut leafy vegetables, used as a garnish.
Confit
Food that is slowly cooked in a liquid in which it is stored, typically fat or sugar syrup.
Poach
To cook food gently in simmering liquid just below boiling point.
En papillote
A method of cooking in which food is put into a folded pouch or parcel and then baked.
Gluten-free
A term used to indicate a product or dish without the protein composite gluten, which is found in wheat and related grains.
Deglaze
To pour liquid into a hot pan to loosen the remaining bits of food from the bottom.
Marinate
To soak food in a seasoned liquid, often containing an acid, to infuse flavor or tenderize.
Kosher
Food prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws.
Silicone spatula
A baking and cooking tool that can withstand high temperatures, used for scraping and spreading.
Paring knife
A small, handy knife used for peeling and trimming fruits and vegetables.
Roux
A mixture of fat and flour used to thicken sauces, soups, and stews.
Dash
A small and imprecise amount of an ingredient, often used in reference to liquid additives.
Larder
A cool area for storing food prior to use, often a pantry or a cool room.
Sauté
To cook food quickly in a small amount of fat over relatively high heat.
Whisk
A cooking utensil used to blend ingredients smooth, or to incorporate air into a mixture.
Zest
The outer peel of citrus fruits used as flavoring.
Offal
The organs and entrails of a butchered animal, considered as food.
Umami
One of the five basic tastes; a savory and meaty flavor.
Bain-marie
A hot water bath used to gently cook food or keep it warm.
Julienne
A preparation of food that is cut into short, thin strips.
Foam
A gaseous dispersion in a liquid or solid, as seen with whipped cream or meringues.
Emulsion
A mixture of two liquids that don't normally combine, often stabilized with an emulsifier.
Knead
To work dough with the hands to develop gluten and a uniform texture.
Velouté
A type of white sauce made from a light stock thickened with a roux.
Garnish
A decorative or flavorful element added to a dish before serving.
Yield
The amount of food that is produced or the number of servings a recipe makes.
Al dente
Pasta or rice that is cooked to be firm to the bite.
Glace
Stock that is reduced until it forms a thick, syrupy consistency.
Blanch
To cook food briefly in boiling water followed by immediate cooling in ice water to halt the cooking process.
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