Cook’s dictionary
Take a scroll through our A to Z of ingredients and techniques…
If you’re baffled by how to bake blind, or flummoxed by farro then find out more…with links to recipes, how-to guides and further reading.
101 articles
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Coulis
A coulis is made by cooking and puréeing fruit or vegetables, then straining it through a sieve and mixing with sugar or liqueur.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a citrusy herb, commonly used in Thai cooking. It looks a bit like a spring onion, but is much firmer, and has a woody texture.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Par-boil
Par-boiling involves boiling a vegetable briefly in order to reduce the total cooking time needed – perfect for making roast potatoes!
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Sweat technique
This unfortunately-named technique involves cooking vegetables slowly in a covered pan, to tenderise them without taking on any colour.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Gratin
A wonderful dish of French origin, typically made with multiple layers of finely sliced potatoes (though other vegetables could be used), milk or cream and garlic.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Cavolo nero
Cavolo nero originates from Tuscany and is also know as 'black kale' or 'Tuscan kale'. It's dark green colour makes it rich in iron whilst its thick leaves makes it a great addition to soups and casseroles.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Goji berries
Goji berries are grown in East Asia, are similar in size and texture to a raisin and taste like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Langoustine
Also known as Dublin Bay prawn and Norway lobster, langoustine is a member of the lobster family and is naturally pink in colour.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Pancetta
Pancetta is the Italian equivalent of streaky bacon. It is cured from pork belly has a rich, salty flavour and tends to be quite fatty.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Sushi
Sushi is a Japanese dish consisting of sticky rice and a selection of raw dish and vegetables. Examples include maki rolls and nigiri sushi.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Amaretto
Amaretto is is a sweet almond-scented liqueur that is often used in Italian desserts or enjoyed as an after-dinner tipple.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Capers
Capers are the buds of a bush native to the Mediterranean. They're widely available, pickled in vinegar or brine and are often served with fish.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Griddle
A griddle pan is very similar to a frying pan, but with no sides and very thick ridges. It's great for achieving a charred flavour and appearance on food.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Laksa
Laksa is a spicy Malaysian soup that you can find all over South East Asia made with coconut milk, rice noodles and either fish or meat.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Palm sugar
Palm sugar is formed by taking the sap from the flowering stalks of a palm tree and boiling it down. It should have a crumbly texture
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Star anise
Star anise is a dried, star-shaped spice with a mild but aromatic flavour, often used in both Chinese and Indian cooking.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Arborio rice
Arborio rice is a starchy rice, which takes its name from a village in the Piedmont region of north-west Italy. It's most commonly used in risottos because it absorbs more liquid than other varieties and has a creamy texture when cooked.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Court bouillon
Court bouillon is a French liquor used for poaching fish and vegetables. The ingredients can vary but bouillons are usually fairly simple: water, wine or lemon, a bouquet garnet and salt.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings made from potatoes and flour. To cook, simply boil in water for two or three minutes – they are done when they rise to the surface.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Pak choi
Pak choi, also known as Chinese chard, white cabbage and bok choy, is a member of the cabbage family and is often used in Chinese cooking.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms are a Japanese mushroom with a white stem and flat brown cap, which keeps its shape well when cooked.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Concassé
Concassé comes from from the French word 'concasser', meaning to crush or grind. Tomato concassé, for example, is a tomato peeled and deseeded then finely chopped or diced.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Gravlax
Gravlax (also knows as 'gravadlax' or 'gravlaks') is a classic Scandinavian dish which literally translated as ‘buried salmon’.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
What is miso paste?
Miso is a salty paste made from fermented soya and literally means 'fermented beans' in Japanese.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Persimmon
Persimmon, also know as Sharon fruit, looks a bit like a tomato, is yellowy-orange in colour and has a juicy, sweet pulp inside.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Score
Scoring a joint of meat increases the absorption of flavour, allows the fat to drain out without distorting the meat and ensures a crispy skin.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Mirin
Mirin is a sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking. Its syrupy texture makes it a great addition to glazes, broths, marinades and more.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Samphire
Samphire is a vibrant green vegetable, available in the summer months, that is very similar to asparagus and with a fresh, slightly salty flavour.
Cook's dictionary
Delicious. Podcast
Delicious. Video
Mascarpone
A rich and creamy Italian cheese made from cow’s cream. It can be used in sweet and savoury dishes alike and is most commonly known for its use in tiramisu.
Subscribe to our magazine
Food stories, skills and tested recipes, straight to your door... Enjoy 5 issues for just £5 with our special introductory offer.
Subscribe
Unleash your inner chef
Looking for inspiration? Receive the latest recipes with our newsletter