Ingredients
Ingredient guides, substitutions, and notes — organized and easy to search.
Nori Sheets
Delicate, seaweed sheets with a briny, oceanic flavor that lend a touch of the sea to any dish.
Nutella
A luscious, velvety spread that combines the rich taste of cocoa with the sweetness of hazelnuts, Nutella is a pantry staple that brings a touch of indulgence to any moment.
Oat Flour
Oat flour is a gluten-free flour made from finely ground oats, offering a nutritious alternative to wheat-based flours. Originating from ancient agricultural practices, it has gained popularity in modern health-conscious cuisines. Its flavor is mild yet distinctly nutty, with a subtle sweetness that complements both savory and sweet dishes. The texture is fine and smooth, providing a tender crumb in baked goods. When used in cooking, oat flour absorbs liquids well, contributing to a moist consistency in batters and doughs, though it can brown quickly if overheated. Its unique properties make it a versatile choice for those seeking to avoid gluten or incorporate more whole grains into their diets.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative made by blending oats with water and then straining the mixture to create a smooth liquid. Originating from Scandinavia, it has gained global popularity for its creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor with subtle notes of oats. Unlike almond or soy milk, oat milk has a natural thickness that resembles dairy milk, making it ideal for both drinking and cooking. Its neutral taste allows it to complement a variety of dishes without overpowering other ingredients. In cooking, oat milk behaves well in recipes that require a creamy consistency, such as soups, sauces, and baked goods, and it froths beautifully for coffee beverages.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
These hearty, flat flakes are crafted from whole oat groats that are steamed and rolled, preserving their natural nutty flavor and chewy texture.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a liquid fat extracted from olives, known for its rich flavor and health benefits. It is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and valued for its versatility in cooking.
Onion Powder
Onion powder delivers a concentrated, savory flavor with a mild sweetness and a hint of earthiness, reminiscent of caramelized onions. Its aroma is pungent yet inviting, evoking the comforting scent of a home kitchen. Finely ground, it has a smooth, almost silky texture that disperses effortlessly into dishes. Originating from dehydrated onions, it's a staple in many cuisines, prized for its ability to enhance flavor without adding moisture. Its convenience and long shelf life make it indispensable in countless recipes.
Orange Zest
Orange zest is the colorful outer peel of an orange, grated or shredded to release its fragrant oils. It adds a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes without the bitterness of the white pith.
Oranges
Oranges are bright, juicy citrus fruits known for their sweet yet tangy flavor. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are a popular edible fungus known for their delicate, fan-like appearance and mild flavor. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, they grow on decaying wood and are widely cultivated for their culinary versatility. Their taste is subtly sweet with a hint of anise, offering a savory, umami-rich profile without overpowering other ingredients. The texture is tender and velvety, with a slight chew that softens when cooked. In the kitchen, oyster mushrooms behave well, absorbing flavors from seasonings and sauces while maintaining a pleasing structure. They are prized for their ability to enhance dishes without dominating them, making them a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is a thick, dark brown condiment made from caramelized oyster extracts, soy sauce, and other seasonings. It offers a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor.
Pan Gravy
Rich and savory pan gravy is the essence of comfort food, made by whisking flour into the flavorful drippings left in the roasting pan. Its silky texture and deep, meaty flavor are the perfect complement to roasted meats and hearty dishes.
Pancetta
Pancetta is an Italian cured meat product made from pork belly. It's known for its rich, savory flavor and silky texture, often compared to bacon but without the smoke.
Paneer Cheese
Paneer cheese is a fresh, non-melting delight with a crumbly texture and a mild, milky flavor that brings a comforting richness to any dish.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Light, airy, and crisp, panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese treasure that bring an unparalleled crunch to dishes. Their golden hue and delicate texture make them a favorite for coating proteins and adding a satisfying crunch to casseroles and gratins.
Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant orange flesh and sweet, musky flavor with underlying notes of honey and a hint of tanginess reminiscent of citrus. Originating in Central America, it has become a staple in many tropical cuisines worldwide. The texture is soft and buttery, similar to a ripe mango, making it enjoyable to eat fresh. In cooking, papaya's natural enzymes, particularly papain, aid in tenderizing proteins, making it useful in marinades and meat dishes. It also blends well in smoothies and can add a unique sweetness to salsas and salads.
Paprika
Paprika is a vibrant red spice made from dried and ground bell peppers, chili peppers, or a blend of both. It offers a sweet, smoky, or spicy flavor depending on the variety.
Parmesan Cheese
A nutty, salty, and hard Italian cheese with a granular texture that shatters into sharp, savory flakes.
Parmesan Cheese Rind
The often-overlooked rind of Parmesan cheese is a treasure trove of umami. Its golden, hardened exterior holds a concentrated depth of flavor, offering a nutty, savory essence that can elevate soups, stocks, and sauces.
Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular cheese hailing from the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions of Italy. Its production dates back to the Middle Ages, crafted by monks using traditional methods that remain largely unchanged. The cheese boasts a complex flavor profile, featuring nutty, savory, and slightly sweet notes with a pleasant tanginess. Its texture is firm yet crumbly, offering a satisfying mouthfeel that is both granular and smooth. In cooking, Parmigiano Reggiano is prized for its ability to melt smoothly into sauces while also holding its structure when grated over dishes. It adds depth and richness to a wide array of recipes, enhancing their overall flavor.
Parsnips
Parsnips are root vegetables with a sweet, earthy flavor that becomes more pronounced when cooked. They have a creamy texture and are a nutritious addition to many dishes.
Passion Fruit
Passion fruit is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant flavor and aromatic seeds. Originating from South America, particularly Brazil, it has since become a beloved ingredient in many cuisines around the world. The fruit offers a unique balance of sweet and tangy flavors, often with hints of floral and musky undertones. Its interior is filled with juicy, pulpy seeds encased in a tough, purple or yellow rind. When eaten, the texture is both seedy and juicy, providing a delightful contrast. In cooking, passion fruit pulp is prized for its ability to add brightness and depth to dishes, whether used fresh or as a juice or puree. It pairs exceptionally well with both sweet and savory elements, enhancing everything from desserts to sauces.
Pastrami
Pastrami is a seasoned and cured meat product traditionally made from beef, though it can also be crafted from turkey or other meats. Its origins trace back to Eastern Europe, particularly Romania, where it was originally made from brisket. Pastrami is renowned for its distinctive smoky, savory flavor and slightly tangy aroma, thanks to a curing process that often involves a blend of spices like coriander, garlic, and black pepper. The texture is tender and somewhat chewy, with a satisfyingly meaty bite. When cooked, pastrami benefits from gentle heating methods like steaming, which helps maintain its succulent texture while enhancing its rich, complex flavor profile.
Pastry Flour
Pastry flour is a type of wheat flour milled to a fine consistency with a moderate protein content, typically ranging from 8 to 9.5%. Its origins are tied to the baking traditions of North America, where it is favored for its versatility in creating tender yet flaky pastries. This flour offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a fine, smooth texture that contributes to delicate baked goods. When used in cooking, pastry flour strikes a balance between cake flour's softness and all-purpose flour's robustness, allowing dough to hold its shape while remaining tender. It excels in recipes where a fine crumb is desired without the heaviness that higher protein flours can impart.