Cooking Terms

Galangal is a rhizomatous herb in the ginger family, with a sharp, citrusy, peppery aroma used in Southeast Asian cooking and traditional medicine. It refers to several related plants, especially Alpinia galanga, whose pale brown skin hides a pale, aromatic flesh. Its name is often used in culinary contexts to distinguish it from true ginger.

Ganache is a glossy, rich chocolate paste or icing, typically made by emulsifying chocolate with cream. Used as a filling or topping for pastries, its texture is smooth and velvety, often yielding a matte sheen. The term also broadly describes a richly flavored chocolate glaze in desserts.

Garam is an adjective of South Asian origin meaning hot or warm, often used to describe spices or weather. In English contexts it can appear as a borrowed term in culinary or cultural discussions, sometimes extended metaphorically to signify intensity. The term carries cultural resonance and genuine usage in Hindi, Urdu, and related languages, and is occasionally adopted into English discourse about Indian cuisine and everyday life.

Garlic is a bulbous plant whose pungent, spicy cloves are used whole, minced, or roasted to flavor food. It is commonly cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes. The word refers to both the plant and its edible segments, which release a strong aroma when crushed or chopped.

Gelatin is a translucent, colorless protein derived from collagen, used to gel foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It dissolves in hot liquids and solidifies upon cooling, creating a smooth, jelly-like texture. In everyday use, gelatin refers to the substance itself or to foods containing it, and it can be described as flavor-neutral with a slightly chewy mouthfeel.

Ginger refers to the aromatic rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant, used as a spice and for medicinal purposes. It also commonly denotes a person with reddish-brown hair (informal, often affectionate) and, in slang, a term for a woman who is attractive. In broader use, ginger can describe a spicy, zesty quality or flavor in foods and beverages.

Glace is a loanword typically used to refer to a fruit- or dessert-related glaze, or in culinary contexts as a glaze or glaze-like coating. In some contexts it also appears as a form of “glace” meaning glassy or shiny, often borrowed from French. The term is sometimes encountered in pastry and frozen-dessert vocabulary, with pronunciation reflecting French influence.

Glaze refers to a glossy, often thin coating applied to food or pottery that creates a smooth surface and sheen. It can also describe the act of glazing, in construction or art, where a glaze layer is added to improve appearance or function. The term implies a finish that is slick, polished, and sometimes translucent, imparting moisture or brightness to the underlying material.

Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings, typically made from potatoes, flour, and egg, served as a pasta-like dish. The word refers to the dumplings themselves and, by extension, the finished, light-textured, pillow-shaped bites. Pronounced with a distinct initial hard g and a soft, nasal final, gnocchi combines starch-rich dough with gentle, chewy texture in many regional Italian preparations.

Gnocchi is a small Italian dumpling made from potato, flour, and sometimes eggs. It’s typically boiled until tender and served with sauces or in soups. The word is borrowed from Italian and often treated as a plural noun in English, though many cooks refer to a single piece as a gnoccho in some regions.

Gorgonzola is a blue-veined Italian cheese, typically soft to semi-soft with a pungent aroma and distinctive mold veins. The word also denotes the cheese itself, commonly used in culinary contexts from casual to gourmet. Its name originates from the town of Gorgonzola in northern Italy and is widely recognized in European gastronomy and beyond.

Gouda is a semisoft, cow’s-milk cheese from the Netherlands, known for its mild to nutty flavor and distinctive aging notes. In everyday use, Gouda refers to the cheese itself and, by extension, to foods made with it. It is commonly used in sandwiches, melts, and as a table cheese, often featuring a smooth, creamy texture that varies with age.

Gruyère is a hard, alpine cheese from Switzerland, aged for several months to develop a nutty, fruity flavor and a springy texture. The term also designates the cheese’s origin and style, typically used in cooking and serving, often melted or grated. It’s widely recognized in European cuisine and is sometimes spelled Gruyère with the accent to reflect its French pronunciation.

Guacamole is a chunky Mexican dip made primarily from ripe avocados, onion, tomato, lime juice, and seasonings. It is typically served with tortilla chips and enjoyed as a fresh, savory condiment or appetizer. The term refers both to the dish and its main ingredient preparation, with conventional pronunciations reflecting Spanish-influenced phonology.

Guajillo is a dried poblano chili used in Mexican cuisine, valued for its mild to medium heat and fruity, smoky flavor. The term also denotes dishes and sauces that feature this chili. In English cookery contexts, it’s often referenced in recipes and spice blends. The word itself comes from Spanish, reflecting its regional culinary roots.

Halibut is a large, flat-bottomed saltwater fish commonly sold for food. As a noun, it refers to several species in thePleuronectidae family, notably the Pacific halibut and Atlantic halibut. In everyday use, it denotes a firm, white-meat fish with a mild flavor, typically prepared by baking, grilling, or pan-searing.

Harissa is a spicy, aromatic paste from North Africa, typically made of chili peppers, garlic, and various spices. It adds heat and depth to dishes and varies in heat level and ingredients by region. The term also refers to the sauce itself, used as a condiment or flavor base in tagines, couscous, and grilled meats.

Hazelnut is the edible seed of the hazel tree, typically roasted and used in confections, spreads, and baking. In everyday speech, it refers to the nut itself or to products flavored with hazelnut. The term combines hazel (the tree) with nut, and the word is commonly used in culinary contexts and ingredient lists.

Hollandaise is a smooth, emulsified sauce made from egg yolks, clarified butter, and lemon juice, typically seasoned with salt and a touch of white pepper. It’s rich, velvety, and traditionally served warm, often with eggs Benedict or vegetables. The term denotes its Dutch-inspired style and is a staple of classic French technique in haute cuisine.