Ingredients
Ingredient guides, substitutions, and notes — organized and easy to search.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are small, leafy green vegetables that belong to the brassica family, which also includes kale and cabbage. Originating in Belgium, they have been cultivated for centuries and are now enjoyed worldwide, particularly in autumn and winter. Their flavor is robust and slightly bitter with a subtle sweetness that develops when cooked. Brussels sprouts have a firm texture when raw, turning tender yet maintaining a satisfying crunch when properly cooked. In the kitchen, they are versatile and can be roasted, sautéed, steamed, or even grilled, browning nicely to enhance their natural sugars and creating a delightful caramelized exterior.
Buckwheat Groats
Buckwheat groats are the hulled seeds of the buckwheat plant, a fruit seed that is unrelated to wheat and naturally gluten-free. Despite its name, buckwheat is not a type of wheat but rather a pseudocereal that has been cultivated for centuries in Eastern Europe and Asia, particularly in regions like Russia and China. Its flavor profile is earthy and nutty with a slight bitterness that mellows when toasted. The texture is dense and chewy when cooked, offering a satisfying mouthfeel that stands up well in dishes. In cooking, buckwheat groats absorb liquid well and can be used in porridges, as a base for grain bowls, or even ground into flour for baking. They also brown nicely, enhancing their rich, roasted flavor.
Buffalo Sauce
A tangy, spicy, and slightly smoky condiment that brings the bold flavors of Buffalo wings to your plate. Its vibrant orange hue and robust kick make it a favorite for those who love a little heat.
Bulgur Wheat
Bulgur wheat is a whole grain made from durum wheat that has been cleaned, parboiled, dried, and ground into varying coarseness. Originating in the Middle East, it has been a staple in cuisines such as Turkish, Syrian, and Lebanese for centuries. Bulgur offers a nutty, earthy flavor with a satisfyingly chewy yet tender texture. Its quick cooking time is due to the parboiling process, making it a convenient choice for busy cooks. In cooking, bulgur readily absorbs liquids and spices, making it an ideal base for pilafs, salads, and stuffings. Its versatility extends to both savory and occasionally sweet dishes, and it is highly regarded for its nutritional benefits, including high fiber and protein content.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a tangy, creamy liquid with a slightly sour taste, cherished for its ability to tenderize and add moisture to baked goods. Its velvety texture and subtle acidity make it a beloved ingredient in kitchens worldwide.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a type of winter squash known for its sweet, nutty flavor and vibrant orange flesh. Originating in North America, it has become a staple in autumn and winter cooking around the world. Its taste is reminiscent of sweet potatoes but with a subtler, earthy undertone. The texture is smooth and velvety when cooked, making it ideal for purées and soups. In cooking, butternut squash holds its shape well in roasting and sautéing while also becoming tender and creamy in soups and stews. Its natural sweetness intensifies with roasting, adding depth to both savory and sweet dishes.
Caesar Dressing
Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly rich, Caesar dressing is a luxurious blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Its velvety texture and bold flavors make it a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide.
Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is a bold, fiery blend hailing from the vibrant culinary scene of Louisiana. Its robust flavor profile features a harmonious balance of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and thyme, offering a smoky heat with earthy undertones. The aroma is warm and spicy, with a hint of smokiness that evokes the bustling streets of New Orleans. Its coarse texture clings well to meats, infusing dishes with a distinctive kick. This seasoning is invaluable for adding depth and complexity to dishes, capturing the soulful essence of Cajun cooking.
Cake Flour
Delicate and finely milled, cake flour is a whisper of a powder that brings tender, melt-in-your-mouth softness to your bakes. Its low protein content ensures a light, airy texture that's perfect for delicate pastries and cakes.
Canadian Bacon
Canadian bacon, often referred to as back bacon, is a lean cut of pork taken from the loin, typically cylindrical in shape rather than the traditional slab form of American bacon. Its origins can be traced back to British peameal bacon, which was adapted by Canadian butchers. Canadian bacon has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a firmer texture compared to its American counterpart. It is less fatty, which gives it a clean taste and a pleasant chewiness when cooked. In culinary applications, Canadian bacon holds its shape well, making it ideal for dishes where a neat, uniform slice is desired. It does not shrink as much as regular bacon and can be grilled, fried, or baked without losing its integrity.
Canned Alfredo Sauce
Creamy, velvety, and irresistibly rich, canned Alfredo sauce is a dreamy shortcut to Italian indulgence. Its luscious texture and buttery flavor bring comfort to any dish.
Canned Anchovies
These salty, briny morsels are packed in oil or salt, offering a rich umami flavor that elevates countless dishes.
Canned Anchovy Fillets
Canned anchovy fillets are small, saltwater fish that are packed in oil or salt, offering a concentrated umami flavor that enhances many dishes. Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, they have long been a staple in Spanish, Italian, and French cooking. Their taste is salty, briny, and deeply savory, with a hint of oceanic tanginess. The texture is soft and delicate, yet they maintain a slight firmness when cooked. In the kitchen, anchovy fillets are versatile; they dissolve easily into sauces to add depth of flavor, melt into dressings for a rich complexity, and can be crisped up for a savory garnish. They are prized for their ability to elevate the savoriness of a dish without overpowering other ingredients.
Canned Artichoke Hearts
Canned artichoke hearts are the tender, fleshy bases of the artichoke thistle, a plant native to the Mediterranean region. They are harvested, cooked, and preserved in brine or water to provide a convenient option for home cooks. Artichoke hearts offer a distinctive, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor with a pleasant, meaty texture that is both tender and substantial. Their unique taste can add depth to a variety of dishes. In cooking, they hold their shape well and absorb surrounding flavors, making them versatile in both hot and cold preparations. Whether simmered in sauces or added to salads, canned artichoke hearts bring a touch of elegance and a mild, earthy flavor to any dish.
Canned Beets
Canned beets are beets that have been cooked and preserved in a brine solution, typically within a metal can. Originating from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, beets have been cultivated for thousands of years and remain a staple in many cuisines. Canned beets boast an earthy sweetness with a hint of tang from the pickling liquid. Their texture is tender yet retains a slight firmness, offering a pleasant mouthfeel. In cooking, canned beets are convenient and versatile, as they require no pre-cooking; they can be served directly from the can or incorporated into dishes where their vibrant color and unique flavor profile shine. They are often used in salads, soups, or as a side dish, contributing both sweetness and a touch of acidity.
Canned Black Beans
Creamy and tender, canned black beans offer a rich, earthy flavor that's both comforting and versatile. Each bite bursts with a hearty texture that's perfect for adding depth to your dishes.
Canned Black-Eyed Peas
Canned black-eyed peas are a type of legume that is beloved for their mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture when cooked. Originating from Africa and widely cultivated in the southern United States, they hold a special place in Southern cuisine and are traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck. These legumes boast a subtle, earthy aroma and a smooth, slightly firm bite that softens upon heating. In cooking, black-eyed peas absorb flavors beautifully, making them versatile in dishes like stews, soups, and salads. They maintain their shape well, contributing a pleasant texture to dishes. Due to their pre-cooked state, they are a convenient pantry staple, ready to be used in a variety of culinary applications without lengthy soaking or cooking times.
Canned Cannellini Beans
Creamy and tender, canned cannellini beans are a pantry staple that brings a comforting, buttery texture to a variety of dishes. Their mild, nutty flavor makes them a versatile addition to soups, salads, and more.
Canned Chicken
Tender, succulent, and oh-so-convenient, canned chicken offers a quick and easy way to infuse hearty flavor into your meals. Its rich, savory essence is a comforting base for countless dishes.
Canned Chickpeas
Creamy and tender, canned chickpeas are a pantry staple that bring a comforting, nutty flavor to any dish. Their smooth texture and hearty presence make them a versatile addition to soups, salads, and more.
Canned Clams
Canned clams offer a briny, oceanic burst with a tender texture, perfect for adding a touch of the sea to your dishes.
Canned Coconut Cream
Canned coconut cream is a rich, thick product made from the flesh of mature coconuts, blended and pressed to extract the creamy essence. Originating from tropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia, it is a staple in many traditional cuisines, including Thai and Indian. It boasts a sweet, nutty flavor with a subtle tropical aroma that is both comforting and exotic. The texture is thick and luxurious, almost like heavy cream, lending a velvety mouthfeel to dishes. In cooking, coconut cream excels at adding richness and a smooth consistency to curries, soups, and desserts. Its high fat content allows it to emulsify seamlessly with other ingredients, creating silky sauces that cling beautifully to proteins and vegetables alike.
Canned Coconut Milk
Canned coconut milk is a rich and creamy liquid extracted from grated coconut flesh. Originating from tropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia, it is a staple in many traditional cuisines. Its flavor is subtly sweet with a hint of nuttiness, and it carries a fragrant aroma reminiscent of fresh coconut. The texture is smooth and velvety, making it ideal for adding richness to dishes. In cooking, coconut milk is known for its ability to thicken soups and curries while infusing them with a luscious mouthfeel. It behaves well under heat, maintaining its consistency and enhancing the depth of flavor in various recipes.
Canned Corn
Canned corn is a versatile and convenient pantry staple made from sweet corn kernels harvested at their peak ripeness and preserved in a brine or water. Originating from the Americas, corn has been a dietary staple for indigenous peoples for centuries and is now enjoyed worldwide. The flavor of canned corn is sweet and slightly earthy, with a tender yet firm texture that holds up well in cooking. Its natural sugars are well-preserved, providing a subtle sweetness that complements a variety of dishes. In cooking, canned corn adds texture and sweetness to soups, salads, and casseroles, and it blends seamlessly into dishes without requiring prior cooking.