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