Ingredients
Ingredient guides, substitutions, and notes — organized and easy to search.
Marmalade
Marmalade is a fruit preserve that is distinguished by its inclusion of fruit peel, most commonly from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or grapefruits. Originating in Europe, particularly in regions where citrus fruits were abundant, marmalade has a rich history and cultural significance. Its flavor is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, with a bitter edge contributed by the peel. The texture is typically firm yet spreadable, with visible fruit pieces that offer a pleasant chew. In cooking, marmalade is versatile; it can be used as a spread, a glaze, or an ingredient in baking. It tends to add both sweetness and acidity to dishes, enhancing the depth of flavor in both sweet and savory preparations.
Marshmallow Creme
Marshmallow creme is a sweet, fluffy spread made primarily from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, whipped into a smooth, creamy texture. Originating in the United States, it is a staple in many American households, particularly famous for its use in making s'mores. The flavor is sugary and delicate, with a subtle vanilla note that enhances its sweetness. Its texture is thick yet spreadable, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both creamy and airy. In cooking and baking, marshmallow creme serves as a binding agent and adds richness to frostings and fillings. It holds up well under heat, making it ideal for baked confections like seven-layer bars.
Mascarpone Cheese
Creamy and lusciously rich, mascarpone cheese is a velvety Italian delight that melts in your mouth with a hint of sweet tanginess.
Mayonnaise
A creamy, tangy emulsion of oil, egg yolks, and vinegar or lemon juice, mayonnaise is a beloved condiment that brings a rich, velvety texture to countless dishes.
Meatballs
Tender and juicy orbs of seasoned ground meat, often a blend of beef, pork, or turkey, sometimes mixed with breadcrumbs and herbs for added flavor and texture.
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are large, golden-brown fruits known for their exceptional sweetness and soft, chewy texture. Originating from the Middle East, particularly regions like Iraq and Morocco, these dates have been cultivated for thousands of years and are now grown in places like California and the Middle Eastern countries. They offer a rich, caramel-like sweetness with hints of butterscotch and a hint of floral notes. The flesh is tender and plumps when ripe, making them almost melt-in-your-mouth enjoyable. In cooking, Medjool dates behave wonderfully as natural sweeteners, softening further when cooked and infusing dishes with their distinctive flavor. They can also absorb other flavors well, making them versatile in both sweet and savory dishes.
Microgreens
Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are harvested just after the first leaves have developed, making them much smaller than their mature counterparts. Originating from Asia, they gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s as a culinary trend. Their flavor profiles vary widely depending on the type of plant they come from, offering tastes that can be peppery, sweet, tangy, or nutty. Texturally, they are tender with a delicate crispness that adds a refreshing element to dishes. In cooking, microgreens are often used raw to preserve their vibrant colors and nutrients, though they can withstand brief cooking. They are prized for their ability to elevate dishes with a burst of fresh flavor and visual appeal.
Milk Chocolate Chips
Silky smooth and irresistibly rich, milk chocolate chips melt in your mouth with a creamy sweetness that brings warmth and indulgence to any treat.
Millet
Millet is a small, round grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years, particularly in Africa and Asia. Known for its mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor, millet offers a pleasant aroma that is reminiscent of toasted grains. Its texture is light and fluffy when cooked, with a hint of chewiness that makes it satisfying to eat. In cooking, millet behaves well as a versatile grain that can absorb flavors from broths and spices, making it suitable for a variety of dishes. It cooks relatively quickly compared to other whole grains and holds its shape well, making it an excellent choice for pilafs, porridges, and even baked goods.
Miracle Whip
A creamy, tangy condiment that dances on the tongue with a sweet and savory harmony. Miracle Whip is a beloved spread that offers a luscious alternative to traditional mayonnaise.
Mirin
Mirin is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from rice, water, and koji, a type of fungus used in fermentation. Originating in Japan, it is a staple in Japanese cuisine, particularly in dishes like teriyaki and sukiyaki. Its flavor is sweet and slightly savory, with a gentle aroma reminiscent of sake but with a pronounced sweetness. The texture is smooth and syrupy, making it an excellent glaze or marinade ingredient. In cooking, mirin adds a depth of flavor and helps balance the salty or acidic elements in a dish. It caramelizes beautifully when heated, contributing to a glossy finish on proteins and vegetables alike.
Miso Paste
Miso paste is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, salt, and koji (a type of fungus). It has a rich, savory umami flavor and a smooth, paste-like texture.
Mixed Salad Greens
A blend of various young, tender leafy greens, often including arugula, spinach, romaine, and butter lettuce, offering a mix of flavors and textures.
Mixed Wild Mushrooms
Mixed wild mushrooms are a blend of various species of fungi foraged from the wild, often including varieties like chanterelles, morels, porcini, and shiitake. These mushrooms have been celebrated in European and Asian cuisines for centuries, prized for their unique textures and complex flavors. They offer an earthy, umami-rich taste with subtle hints of nuttiness, woodiness, and occasionally a touch of fruitiness. The texture varies depending on the specific types included, but generally, they provide a satisfying chew with a tender bite. In cooking, mixed wild mushrooms are versatile and can enhance the depth of flavor in dishes, as they absorb and concentrate other ingredients' flavors while contributing their own distinctive essence. They perform well in both quick sautés and slow-cooked stews, browning beautifully and intensifying in taste.
Molasses
Rich, dark, and deeply flavorful, molasses is a thick, sweet syrup derived from sugarcane or sugar beets. Its robust, earthy notes bring warmth and depth to both sweet and savory dishes.
Monterey Jack Cheese
A semi-hard, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavor that melts beautifully, making it a favorite for both cooking and snacking.
Muesli
A wholesome blend of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, muesli offers a crunchy, nourishing start to your day with its natural sweetness and hearty texture.
Multigrain Bread
A hearty, wholesome loaf bursting with a medley of grains, offering a nutty flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture. Each slice is a celebration of rustic simplicity and nourishing goodness.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are the edible leaves of various mustard plant species, primarily Brassica juncea and Brassica nigra. Originating in the Himalayan region of India, they have a long history of use in South Asian and Southern American cuisines. These greens boast a robust, peppery flavor with a slight bitterness, reminiscent of their cousin, horseradish. Their texture is sturdy yet tender when cooked, offering a satisfying chew that softens upon heating. In cooking, mustard greens are known for their ability to hold up well in long-cooked dishes, such as stews and braises, while also brightening raw preparations like salads with their piquant kick.
Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds are small, round seeds with a sharp, pungent flavor that mellows when cooked. They are a staple in many cuisines, particularly Indian, French, and American.
Naan Bread
Soft, pillowy, and slightly charred, naan bread is a beloved flatbread that hails from the Indian subcontinent. Its tender texture and subtle smoky flavor make it the perfect companion to curries, kebabs, and dals.
Napa Cabbage
Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a leafy green vegetable with long, crisp white stems and dark green leaves. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
Nigella Seeds
Nigella seeds, also known as kalonji, boast a complex flavor profile that combines nutty, peppery, and slightly bitter notes with a hint of onion. Their aroma is earthy and pungent, reminiscent of oregano, while their texture is crunchy yet delicate. Originating from the eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia, these seeds have been prized in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines for centuries. Their unique taste adds depth to dishes, making them indispensable in spice blends like panch phoran and za'atar.
Nonstick Cooking Spray
A whisper-light mist that transforms any pan into a nonstick wonderland, ensuring your culinary creations slide off effortlessly.