Slices
Seeds
culinary glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Oeuf - The French word for egg.
Oeuf a la Neige
- Sweet meringue puffs that are poached in milk and
chilled. When served, these puffs are drizzled with caramel and served with
creme anglaise.
Okra - A vegetable pod used mainly in gumbos, but also other soups, and served as a vegetable.
Olive Oil
- Olive oil has a very distinctive flavor, and has become
more prominent in everyday cooking. Gradings of olive oils are determined by
the methods of extraction and the acid content of the resulting oil.
Virgin oils are those obtained from the first pressing of the olive
without further refinement. The finest olive oil is extra virgin, with an acid
content of 1%. Following this are superfine at 1.5%, fine at 3%, and virgin at
4%. Pure olive oils are those which have been extracted by heat.
These are of 100% olive oil, but their flavor can result in a harsh, bitter
aftertaste. Pomace olive oil is refined from the final pressings
and under heat and pressure. The taste is inferior to other olive oils and
should never be substituted for them. Olive oil becomes rancid very easily,
more so when exposed to heat or light. Always store tightly sealed in a cool,
dark place.
Olives
- This is the edible fruit of the olive tree. Found in
both green(unripe) and black(ripe) forms, each must undergo a process to
remove the bitterness found in them. This curing process is done with brine
solutions, salt curing, and drying.
Omelet - A beaten egg mixture that is cooked without stirring until set and then served folded in half. Often served with various fillings, such as cheese, onion, herbs, and meats.
Orzo
- Small rice shaped pasta.
Oseille
- French term for sorrel.
Osso Buco
- An Italian dish comprised of crosscut slices of the veal
shank braised with vegetables, aromatics, and stock. Milanese style is served
with saffron risotto and gremolata.
Ouzo
- A clear anise-flavored liqueur from Greece. It is
generally mixed with water which turns it whitish and opaque.
Oyster - An edible bivalve mollusk found in beds in shallow, warm waters of all oceans. The shell is made up of two valves, the upper one flat and the lower convex, with variable outlines and a rough outer surface.
Oyster Sauce - It is a Cantonese seasoning that is a staple condiment of Chinese cooking, This rich brown sauce is made with boiled oysters and seasonings (soy sauce, salt, and spices). The ingredients are cooked until thick and concentrated.
