Ingredients
Ingredient guides, substitutions, and notes — organized and easy to search.
Peaches
Peaches are a juicy, sweet fruit with a velvety skin that ranges from yellow to red, depending on the variety. Originating in China, they have been cultivated for thousands of years and are now enjoyed worldwide. Their flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweet and tart, with an aromatic fragrance that intensifies when ripe. The texture of a peach is soft and succulent, with a juicy flesh that clings to a single, large pit. When cooking with peaches, they behave well in both raw and cooked applications, breaking down into a luscious compote or maintaining their shape when quickly sautéed or grilled. They are versatile enough to be used in both savory and sweet dishes, though they are most commonly associated with desserts due to their natural sweetness.
Peanut Butter
Creamy, rich, and irresistibly nutty, peanut butter is a pantry staple that brings comfort to any dish. Its smooth texture and deep, roasted flavor make it a beloved ingredient for both sweet and savory creations.
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is a mild-flavored, high smoke point oil derived from peanuts. Its neutral taste makes it ideal for frying and sautéing, while its stability at high temperatures ensures it doesn't break down easily.
Peanuts
Crunchy and nutty, peanuts are a beloved legume that offer a rich, savory flavor and a satisfying texture. Roasted or raw, they bring a delightful earthiness to any dish.
Pearled Barley
Pearled barley is a nutritious, chewy whole grain with a mild, nutty flavor. Its polished exterior gives it a quick cooking time while retaining a satisfying texture.
Pears
Pears are a classic fruit known for their distinctive bell shape and smooth skin. Originating in Europe and Asia, they have been cultivated for thousands of years and are now enjoyed worldwide. Their flavor profile is sweet with a hint of tartness, and their aroma is fresh and floral. The texture of pears is juicy and crisp when eaten raw, but they become soft and tender when cooked or baked. In cooking, pears hold their shape well in poaching and baking, yet they break down beautifully in sauces and compotes. Their natural sweetness makes them versatile in both savory and sweet dishes.
Pecan Halves
Pecan halves are the split kernels of the pecan, a native North American nut that thrives in the southern United States. Known for their rich, buttery flavor and subtle sweetness, pecans offer a delightful aroma that evokes warmth and comfort. Their texture is crunchy yet tender, making them a favorite for both snacking and culinary uses. In cooking, pecan halves add a satisfying crunch to dishes and hold their shape well, whether baked into desserts or toasted for savory applications. They are versatile in both sweet and savory dishes, contributing richness without overwhelming other flavors.
Pecans
With their buttery richness and a hint of sweetness, pecans are a beloved nut that adds a delightful crunch to both savory and sweet dishes.
Pecorino Romano Cheese
A sharp, salty, and nutty Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, Pecorino Romano is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Its crystalline texture and robust flavor make it a favorite for grating over pasta dishes.
Pepper Jack Cheese
Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-hard, orange cheese with a creamy texture and a bold, spicy kick from the jalapeño peppers woven throughout. Its flavor is a harmonious balance of sharp cheddar notes and a fiery heat that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Peppermint Extract
A concentrated, aromatic liquid that captures the cool, refreshing essence of peppermint leaves. Its vibrant green hue and invigorating scent make it a beloved addition to both sweet and savory dishes.
Pesto Sauce
A vibrant, herbaceous sauce bursting with the fresh flavors of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Each spoonful delivers a fragrant, slightly nutty, and tangy experience that's both comforting and invigorating.
Phyllo Dough
Phyllo dough is a paper-thin sheet of dough used extensively in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Originating from the Greek word 'phyllo,' meaning leaf, it is believed to have been developed in the kitchens of the Byzantine Empire. Phyllo dough has a delicate, slightly floury taste, offering a neutral canvas that allows other ingredients to shine. Its texture is crisp and flaky when baked, creating layers that shatter beautifully with each bite. In cooking, phyllo dough requires careful handling due to its fragile nature; it dries out quickly and must be kept covered with a damp cloth while working with it. It browns rapidly in the oven, providing a golden, flaky structure to dishes, while contributing minimal moisture, making it ideal for both sweet and savory applications.
Pickled Jalapeños
Pickled jalapeños are immature green chili peppers that have been preserved in a brine solution, typically consisting of vinegar, water, salt, and spices. Originating from Mexico, these peppers are named after the city of Xalapa, where they have been cultivated for centuries. Their flavor is a vibrant balance of heat, tanginess, and a slight vegetal freshness, with a pleasant aromatic kick. The texture is crisp and firm, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. In cooking, pickled jalapeños add a zesty punch to dishes, contributing both a spicy kick and a tangy flavor that complements a wide range of foods, from tacos to Bloody Marys.
Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions are thinly sliced onions that have been preserved in a vinegar-based brine, often seasoned with sugar, salt, and spices such as peppercorns or mustard seeds. Originating from traditional pickling methods common across various cultures, they are particularly popular in Mexican and Indian cuisines. These onions boast a tangy, slightly sweet flavor with a mild heat that is mellowed by the pickling process. Their texture is crisp yet tender, offering a delightful crunch with each bite. In cooking, pickled red onions add a refreshing zing to dishes and maintain their texture well, enhancing salads, tacos, and sandwiches with their vibrant color and sharp taste.
Pico de Gallo
A fresh and zesty salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a staple in Mexican cuisine.
Pie Crust Dough
Pie crust dough is a fundamental component in the world of baking, serving as the base for both sweet and savory pies. Traditionally made from a mixture of flour, fat (such as butter or lard), and water, its origins trace back to ancient Egypt and have since become a staple in many cultures worldwide. The flavor is subtly buttery and rich, with a pleasant, slightly floury aroma. Its texture is ideally flaky and tender, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. When cooked, pie crust dough transforms beautifully, browning to a golden hue and achieving a delightful contrast between a crisp exterior and a tender interior. Its ability to encase fillings while maintaining structure makes it indispensable in countless recipes.
Pine Nuts
These tiny, ivory kernels are the seeds of pine trees, offering a buttery, rich flavor with a delicate crunch. Harvested from the cones of select pine species, they are a gourmet delight that elevates any dish they grace.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit known for its distinctive sweet and tangy flavor profile, which is both juicy and aromatic. Originating in South America, it is now cultivated in many tropical regions around the world, including Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Hawaii. The flesh of the pineapple is firm yet tender, with a texture that is succulent and fibrous. When cooked, pineapple's natural sugars caramelize, enhancing its sweetness and creating a delightful aroma. Its acidity also makes it a useful ingredient for tenderizing meats. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can break down proteins, which is why it is often used in marinades and can interfere with gelatin setting if not properly heated.
Pink Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan Salt is a hand-mined salt known for its distinctive pink hue, derived from mineral-rich deposits in the Punjab region of Pakistan. It offers a delicate flavor with trace minerals that enhance the taste of dishes.
Pink Peppercorns
Pink peppercorns, though not true peppercorns, offer a delicate, sweet, and slightly floral flavor with a gentle heat that lingers. Their aroma is fresh and fruity, reminiscent of rose petals and citrus. The texture is firm yet yields a satisfying crunch when bitten into. Originating from the dried berries of the Baies roses tree in South America, they add a vibrant pop of color and a nuanced taste to dishes. Valued for their visual appeal and unique flavor profile, they elevate both sweet and savory dishes with a touch of sophistication.
Pistachios
Vibrant green kernels nestled in their delicate shells, pistachios offer a unique, buttery crunch with a subtle, nutty sweetness.
Pita Bread
Soft, pillowy, and with a delightful pocket perfect for stuffing, pita bread is a versatile flatbread that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
Pizza Sauce
A rich, velvety sauce that brings the essence of Italy to your homemade pizzas. Bursting with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and a hint of aromatic herbs, it’s the foundation of a truly delicious pie.