Category Archives: Culinary Dictionary

Poblano Pepper

Poblano is a relatively mild chilli pepper, although sometimes they can be unpredictable and give you a strong heat and aroma. They have a dark, thick, and green skin and are heart shaped, originating from the state of Puebla, Mexico. Dried, it is called ancho or chile ancho, and it's sometimes dried and smoked as well. We buy...
Read more

Kompot

Cranberry orange mint kompot. Kompot- non-alcoholic sweet beverage, can be served hot or cold, depending on traditional or season. You can use fruits or berries, I like to use some jam, marmalade also, sugar, raisins, cinnamon. (more…)...
Read more

Satsebeli (Satsibeli)

Satsebeli (Satsibeli) is a Georgian sauce, which literally means “sauce”, and is made from pureed tart fruit or fruit juices. There are many recipes of Georgian sauce satsebeli and each of them has its own characteristics and ingredients. This Georgian sauce can be from tkemali ( unripe mirabelles or very sour plums), tomatoes, unripe grapes, cherries, pomegranate juice and walnuts. This...
Read more

Kartofdzhyn

These popular Ossetian pies are baked with different fillings and often prepared on holidays. In Ossetia they traditionally serve three pies on a plate and only on days of mourning - an even number. These pies are a cult food in Ossetia and have ritual significance. Kartofdzhyn- the pie stuffed with potato and cheese. Ossetian cheese can be replaced with similar cheese such...
Read more

Kozinaki (Gozinaki)

Another Slavic sweet and easy recipe from my childhood that can be prepared quickly from sunflower seeds or nuts. Kozinaki (Gozinaki) are Georgian and Armenian sweets with walnuts and honey, traditionally prepared for the New Year and Christmas. Instead of walnuts they can be made from hazelnuts, sunflower seeds or sesame seeds. It’s definitely kid’s favorite! Here...
Read more

Cilantro, Coriander

One of my favorite herbs is cilantro. Cilantro (the seeds are Coriander), is a popular herb worldwide with a fresh, bright, sharp taste and the coriander seeds have the subtle aroma of anise and citrus. Cilantro and coriander seeds are rich in vitamins, especially B, C, carotene, and P. Cilantro is common in worldwide and is very versatile. Raw or...
Read more

Boquerones

Boquerones is a type of Spanish appetizer (tapa) and the main ingredient is anchovies, small fish marinated in vinegar and olive oil. You can find them everywhere in south of Spain, any bar or restaurant. This appetizer can be made with the addition of red marinated peppers, for example piquillo peppers, black olives or capers. Instead of toast...
Read more

Vareniki

Vareniki (varenyky, pirogi) are stuffed dumplings from Ukraine made from unleavened dough and different fillings. Some of the more popular fillings are vegetables, boiled potatoes, salted cabbage, baked pumpkin, fruits and berries, meat, mushroom, cheese, poppy seed or buckwheat. My favorite fillings are meat, potatoes with onions and mushrooms, cottage cheese or curd cheese and cherries. Vareniki with berry...
Read more