Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine that is more commonly used for cooking rather than drinking. It has a complex and sweet flavor and is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine. Unlike regular rice wine, Shaoxing wine …

Paneer is a fresh Indian cheese that’s commonly used in many Indian recipes, although it can be used in other cuisines as well. It is made with milk and an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice, resulting in a …

Mirin is a sweetened Japanese rice wine that is a rich, syrupy liquid with a distinctly sweet taste. It adds a wonderfully unique sweet flavor to anything it’s added to including soups, marinades, and sauces. Apart from Japanese cuisine, mirin …

Spanish onions are a type of yellow onion and are sometimes mislabeled as brown onions. They have a thin, papery skin, and pale yellow flesh and are moderately pungent compared to other onion varieties when raw. Once cooked, however, Spanish …

Sake is a Japanese wine made with rice that has its bran removed. It’s a clear wine with a water-like consistency and a robust flavor. Sake gives dishes a mild sweet taste and a nutty, fruity scent. Apart from being …

Crushed tomatoes are made with a combination of finely diced tomatoes and tomato paste or puree. They are used to infuse your meals with a wonderfully rich, sweet, and bright tomato flavor and a chunky texture. You can use them …

Cakes, ice cream, cookies — regardless of what dessert you’re making, vanilla bean paste is a popular ingredient that can elevate a dish. It’s a delightful compromise between pure vanilla extract and vanilla pods. Vanilla bean paste has a sweet …

Farro is an ancient whole grain that refers to three types of wheat — einkorn, spelt, and emmer. It has a nutty flavor, a chewy texture, and is high in protein, fiber, and magnesium. It’s a staple ingredient used to …

Szechuan peppercorn, also known as Sichuan peppercorn, is a mouth-numbing, fragrant spice produced from the husk of seeds of Zanthoxylum — a prickly ash scrub. It can be used both whole and grounded as both forms work excellently with other …

Agave nectar, also called agave syrup, is a sweetener that comes from the fluid of the agave plant. It varies in color from light to dark and has a sweeter taste than sugar but a more neutral flavor compared to …

Galangal is a type of spicy root that is commonly used in Asian cuisine and is a staple in Thai foods. It has sharp spicy flavors with hints of peppery taste and a distinctive aroma. Galangal also offers lots of …

Flaxseed, also called linseed, is a nutrient-rich seed. It has a deliciously nutty flavor and a wonderful crunch. Flaxseed is a very versatile ingredient, so you can use it as a thickener (when mixed with water) or as a nutty …