A

glossary

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ABURAGE

Japanese-style fried bean curd. unlike the Chinese type (dow foo pok) which comes in cubes, aburage is prepared in thin sheets, square or rectangular, and is sold frozen. It can be kept frozen for months.

AGAR-AGAR 

A setting agent derived from seaweed which hardens without refrigeration, used for cakes and desserts. It comes in long strands or in powder form. 1 tsp of powder sets 1 - 1 1/2 cups liquid. To use, sprinkle powdered agar-agar over liquid and bring it gently to a boil, stirring until dissolved. Gelatin can be substituted, but texture will be different and the amount used varies.

AJOWAN

Of the same family as parsley and cummin, the seeds look like parsley or celery seeds, but have the flavor of thyme. It is used in Indian cooking, particularly in lentil dishes that provide the protein in vegetarian diets, both as a flavoring and as a carminative. It is one of the seeds used to flavor the crisp-fried snacks made from lentil flour.

AKA MISO

Red bean paste. See miso.

AMCHUR

Dried green mango, usually available in powder form. Used as an acid flavoring ingredient in Indian cooking.

ANCHOVIES, DRIED

Most are usually 1 inch (2 1/2 cm) long. Commonly used to seasoned many Malaysian, Singapore and Indonesian dishes. To use, discard the head and any black intestinal tract before cooking. Also known 'silver fish'

ANISE, STAR

See  star anise

ANNATTO SEEDS

Also called achuete, it is the dark reddish-brown seed of the ' lipstick plant ' commonly used as a coloring agent. The seeds are fried in oil to extract an orange color and then discarded. The oil is used for cooking to color and flavor to Filipino food. Substitute paprika and turmeric in given amounts

AROMATIC GINGER

See galangal.

ASAFOETIDA

A strong smelling gum derived from a Persian plant believed to aid digestion. Use sparingly.

ASSAM GELUGOR, DRIED

A sour fruit (Garcinta atnoviridis) commonly sold in slices and used in placed of tamarind pulp to produce a sour-tangy taste in the food or stock. Common in South-east Asian egions and especially notable in Straits Settlement (Nonya) dishes. Tamarind can be used as a substitute.

ATTA

Fine whole-meal flour used in making Indian flat breads. Substitute fine whole-meal sold in health food stores. Can be bought from stores specializing in Asian foods.