Balsamic vinegar (bal-SAH-mihk): A red-brown Italian vinegar that
has a sweet-sour flavor. Made from white Trebbiano grapes and aged in
wooden
barrels. White balsamic vinegar is made from Italian white wine vinegar
and the boiled down musts (crushed pulp and skins) of white grapes.
Barley flakes: Resembles and can be cooked like oatmeal. Available
in natural foods stores.
Barley flour: Flour made from a hearty grain dating back to the
Stone
Age. Available in specialty and health-food stores.
Basmati rice (bahs-MAH-tee): A long-grained brown or white rice
that
is aged to enhance its perfumy aroma and nutlike flavor. Particularly good
with Indian or Asian dishes.
Bean thread noodles: Also called cellophane noodles, these
translucent
threads are made from the starch of green mung beans. Sold dried, they
must
be soaked briefly in hot water before using. They can also be
deep-fried.
"Beef" stock: Powdered vegetarian flavoring mixed with
water to make stock. Available in natural food stores or by mail
order.
Belgian endive (EN-dyv; AHN-deev): A whitish-green, cigar-shaped
head of bitter greens closely related to chicory.
Black bean sauce: A pungently flavored bottled Chinese condiment
made from fermented black beans, rice wine and garlic. Sometimes also
flavored
with chilies.
Black-eyed peas: Small, tan Asian legume with a black circular
"eye,"
introduced to America via the African slave trade. Available fresh or
dried.
Also called cowpea as it was originally grown as animal fodder.
Black mustard seeds: Often used in Indian cookery. Brown mustard
seeds can be substituted. Available in specialty markets.
Blood orange: A small specialty orange with a sweet-tart taste and
orange flesh streaked with bright red.
Bouquet garni: A bunch of herbs tied together or placed in a
cheesecloth
to flavor soups, stews and broths. The classic trio is parsley, thyme and
bay leaf. Tie the bouquet garni string to the pot handle for easy removal
of the herbs.
Brown rice syrup: Thick syrup made from cracked brown rice and
barley.
Also called rice malt. Used as a sugar substitute in sweets and
desserts.
Bulgur: Cracked wheat that has been hulled and parboiled.
Burdock root: Slender root vegetable with brown skin and white
flesh.
Sweet, earthy flavor and crisp texture. |
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