Ingredients
Ingredient guides, substitutions, and notes — organized and easy to search.
Roasted Red Peppers (Jarred)
Roasted red peppers are a versatile and flavorful ingredient commonly found in jars for convenience. Originating from the Mediterranean region, these peppers are red bell peppers that have been roasted and peeled, capturing a deep, smoky sweetness with a hint of tanginess. Their vibrant red color and tender texture add richness to dishes. When cooked, they meld seamlessly into sauces and spreads, contributing a mild heat and a velvety consistency. Jarred roasted red peppers are particularly prized for their ease of use, as they are already prepared and ready to be incorporated into various recipes.
Roasted Salted Cashews
Roasted salted cashews are a popular snack made from cashew nuts that have been roasted to enhance their natural richness and then seasoned with salt for a savory kick. Originating from Brazil, though now widely cultivated in tropical climates around the world, cashews have become a staple in many cuisines due to their versatility and unique flavor profile. These cashews offer a buttery, nutty taste with a slight sweetness that is beautifully balanced by the salt's savory punch. Their texture is firm yet smooth, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. In cooking, roasted salted cashews behave well in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a layer of crunch and nutty flavor. They tend to maintain their texture even when heated, making them ideal for garnishing or incorporating into dishes without turning soft.
Roasted Salted Pistachios
Roasted salted pistachios are a beloved snack and culinary ingredient, known for their distinctive green hue and nutty, slightly sweet flavor profile enhanced by a touch of salt. Originating from regions such as the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean, pistachios have a rich cultural history, often symbolizing health and hospitality. When roasted, their natural oils are released, intensifying their rich, buttery taste. The texture is crunchy and satisfying, offering a pleasant contrast to softer ingredients in dishes. In cooking, roasted salted pistachios add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. They can be used to garnish desserts, incorporated into meat rubs, or sprinkled over salads to provide an extra layer of complexity.
Roma Tomatoes
Roma tomatoes are a variety of plum tomatoes known for their oval shape, thick flesh, and low seed count. They are celebrated for their rich, tangy flavor and meaty texture, making them ideal for cooking.
Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce is a sturdy, dark green leafy vegetable known for its crisp texture and slightly sweet, mild flavor. It's a popular choice for salads and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Rotisserie Chicken
Golden, succulent, and infused with smoky, savory flavors, rotisserie chicken is a versatile and comforting ingredient that brings warmth to any meal.
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are large, brown-skinned potatoes known for their fluffy texture when cooked. They are a staple in many kitchens due to their versatility and high starch content.
Rutabaga
Rutabaga, often referred to as Swedish turnip, is a root vegetable that is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. Originating in northern Europe, it has been cultivated for centuries and is a staple in many traditional dishes. Its flavor is earthy and slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness, reminiscent of a turnip but milder and more complex. The texture is firm and dense, becoming tender and velvety when cooked. In culinary applications, rutabaga holds its shape well during roasting and mashing, absorbs flavors from seasonings and broths, and adds a subtle sweetness to dishes. Its versatility makes it a favorite in hearty soups, stews, and roasted vegetable medleys.
Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is a mild, neutral-flavored oil derived from the seeds of the safflower plant. Known for its high smoke point and polyunsaturated fat content, it is a versatile choice for cooking and baking.
Saffron Threads
Saffron threads are the vibrant crimson stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, offering a delicate, floral aroma with hints of honey and hay. Their earthy yet slightly sweet flavor is subtle yet profound, capable of transforming dishes with just a few strands. Originating from Persia and widely used in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines, saffron's unique taste and vivid color make it a prized spice. Its thread-like texture blooms into a rich golden hue when steeped in warm liquid, adding both depth and visual appeal to dishes.
Salami
Salami is a type of cured sausage that originated in the Mediterranean region, with roots tracing back to Italy and neighboring countries. It is made from fermented and air-dried meat, typically pork, though beef and veal can also be used. The flavor profile of salami is robust and savory, often featuring notes of garlic, pepper, and a slight tang from the fermentation process. Its texture is firm yet tender, with a satisfying chew that releases bursts of umami with each bite. In cooking, salami holds its shape well and can be sliced thin for sandwiches or diced for added depth in pasta dishes and stews. Its rich flavor makes it a versatile ingredient that can elevate both simple and complex dishes.
Salmon Fillets
Succulent and rich, salmon fillets boast a buttery texture and a delicate, oceanic flavor that melts in your mouth. Their vibrant pink hue is a feast for the eyes, promising a delightful culinary experience.
Salsa
A vibrant, tangy blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and zesty lime, salsa is a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds.
Salt Cod (Bacalao)
Salt cod, known as bacalao, is a staple in many European and Latin American cuisines, particularly in Portugal, Spain, and Italy. This fish is typically dried and salted to preserve it, a method that dates back to ancient times when refrigeration was unavailable. Salt cod has a robust, briny flavor that is both savory and slightly fishy, with a firm and flaky texture when properly rehydrated and cooked. Its distinctive taste can enhance dishes with depth and complexity. In cooking, salt cod must be thoroughly desalted through soaking to reduce its saltiness, and it performs well in stews, soups, and bakes, where its texture holds up well while infusing the dish with flavor.
Salted Butter
A creamy, golden delight, salted butter is a kitchen staple that brings richness and a subtle salty tang to dishes. Its velvety texture melts effortlessly, enveloping your senses with warmth and comfort.
Sambal Oelek
Sambal Oelek is a traditional Indonesian chili sauce made primarily from ground chili peppers, vinegar, salt, and sometimes shrimp paste or garlic. Its origins trace back to the Indonesian archipelago, where it has been a staple condiment for centuries. The sauce boasts a robust, pungent heat with a bright, tangy undertone from the vinegar, and a subtle complexity from any shrimp paste used. Its texture is coarse and chunky, offering a satisfying mouthfeel that is neither smooth nor overly thick. In cooking, Sambal Oelek is versatile, adding a fiery kick to dishes without overwhelming other flavors. It can be used as a direct condiment or incorporated into recipes to enhance their spiciness and depth.
Sardines in Olive Oil
Delightfully tender sardines bathed in rich, fragrant olive oil, offering a taste of the sea with every bite.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a traditional fermented food made from finely shredded cabbage that has been pickled by lactic acid fermentation. Originating in Europe, particularly associated with German cuisine, sauerkraut has a distinctive tangy and slightly sour flavor profile, with a pleasant underlying sweetness from the cabbage. Its texture is crunchy yet tender, offering a satisfying mouthfeel. When cooked, sauerkraut softens further and can meld well with other ingredients, contributing both its unique taste and beneficial probiotics. Its versatility in cooking allows it to be used as a condiment, side dish, or even as an ingredient in various recipes, enhancing flavor complexity and providing digestive health benefits.
Scallions
Scallions, also known as green onions or spring onions, are long, slenderAllium vegetables with a mild, sweet flavor. They feature a white base and green leaves, offering a fresh, onion-like taste without the sharpness of mature onions.
Sea Salt
Sea salt is a natural seasoning made by evaporating seawater. It contains trace minerals that give it a unique flavor and texture compared to refined table salt.
Sea Scallops
Plump and sweet, sea scallops are a luxurious treat with a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Their delicate flavor is enhanced by a quick sear, creating a caramelized crust that contrasts beautifully with their succulent interior.
Seaweed Snacks
Crispy, savory, and delightfully briny, seaweed snacks are a nutritious and flavorful treat that brings the essence of the ocean to your taste buds.
Self-Rising Flour
A magical blend of all-purpose flour, leavening agents, and just the right touch of salt, self-rising flour is the unsung hero of quick breads and fluffy biscuits. Its fine texture promises a light, airy rise with every use.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
These semi-sweet chocolate chips are a baker's dream, offering a perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Each chip melts beautifully into batters and doughs, creating a luxurious texture in every bite.