Basic Culinary Terms

by dassana

in Cooking Tips & Methods

When we read a recipe, there are some culinary terms that we have read many times, but we don’t know what they actually mean. Following is a list of some basic culinary terms that are used very often in Indian Cooking:

Cutting

  • Chopping – Cutting into small pieces.
  • Dice – Cut into small even cubes.
  • Grate – Cutting into fine thin strips (using a grater).
  • Peeling – Removal of outer layer using a knife or a peeler.

Frying

  • Fry – Cook in oil/ghee.
  • Deep Frying – Cooking in hot oil/ghee where the product or stuff actually gets covered by the oil.
  • Shallow Fry – Cooking in a little oil.
  • Roast – Over heating without any oil/ghee.

Decorations:

  • Garnish – Decorate (on top) by adding other food stuff or ingredients.

Kneading:

  • Knead – Pressing dough with hand by folding and turning till it reaches the required consistency. Nowadays dough making machines are also available
  • Sieving – A Process used to separate finer parts from the coarser parts (using a sieve).

Blending:

  • Mash – Crush the food finely after softening (by boiling, roasting etc) or by using a masher.
  • Paste – Smooth blend of solid ingredients with liquid.

Cooking and Flavoring

  • Seasoning – To add spices and other ingredients to increase the flavor.
  • Simmer – Cook in low flame after content starts boiling.
  • Stirring – Mixing with a ladle.

Related Culinary Posts:

  1. Glossary of Indian Spices in English and Hindi
  2. Glossary of Cereals Grains in English and Hindi
  3. Glossary of Legumes Lentils in English and Hindi
  4. Glossary of Indian Dry Fruits in English and Hindi

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