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

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Saffron

The most expensive spice in the world fortunately goes a long way; derived from the stamens of the saffron crocus, it can be used either whole or in powdered form, giving a distinctive flavour and yellow colour to Spanish paella and Italian risotto. It is also a classic ingredient in the French fish soup bouillabaisse.

Sage

A perennial broad-leaved herb that is widely cultivated for its leaves which have an aromatic, slightly bitter flavour and are used for flavouring fatty meats (such as pork), stuffings, marinades, certain cheeses and various drinks.

Sago

A starch made from the pith of the sago palm, used to make puddings.

Salamander

A salamander is a commercial grill that can be heated to very high temperatures. It is used by professional cooks for glazing, browning or caramelising savoury or sweet dishes.

Salami

A sausage made from a mixture of raw meat such as pork, beef or veal and flavoured with spices and herbs; salamis can be salted, smoked or air-dried and are found all over the world.

Salsa

Spicy, thick, cold relish made from tomatoes, chillis and fruit, usually used as a dip.

Salsify

Salsify is a root vegetable. There is a black-skinned variety with white flesh sometimes called scorzonera, and a white salsify, sometimes called oyster plant. The delicate flavour is similar to asparagus. Best cooked simply - boiled or poached and served with butter. It is easier to peel after cooking.

Salt

Crystals used as a seasoning and preservative. One of the major taste groups. Available as sea salt or rock salt, which is then further refined for cooking salt and table salt.

Salt cod

Dried, salted cod which needs to be de-salted and rehydrated before use. Popular in French, Spanish and Portuguese cuisines

Saltimbocca

A dish consisting of rolled pieces of veal or poultry, cooked with herbs, bacon and other flavourings. The word comes from the Italian for 'leap into the mouth'.

Sambuca

A colourless Italian liqueur flavoured with aniseed. It is drunk with one or two coffee beans floating in the glass, after it has been flamed. Sambuca is very strong but has a sweetish taste.

Samosa

A deep-fried Indian pastry stuffed with spiced vegetables or meat, usually triangular in shape.

Samphire

Also known as glasswort or pickle-plant, this fleshy-leaved green plant grows on seaside marshes. Its flavour is salty and it has a crisp, interesting texture. Use it fresh in salads or serve it with fish, simply boiled and dipped in melted butter and eaten like asparagus.

Sangria

Spanish drink of red wine with fruit, mineral water and spices added.

Sardine

Sardines are baby pilchards - an oil-rich fish. Sardines are sold whole, fresh or frozen while pilchards are mainly processed and canned. Ideal fish for grilling and barbecuing when whole.

Sashimi

Japanese dish of raw fish and shellfish served with dipping sauces and vegetables.

Sassafras

The leaves of the sassafras tree are used in making traditional gumbo.

Satay

Pieces of meat or fish skewered and grilled, then served with spiced sauce.

Scallop

Shellfish with a delicate taste available in a range of sizes. Scallops can be steamed, fried or grilled but should be cooked gently. The flesh is firm and white, the coral (or roe) is orange or pale red in colour.

Scone

A small, rounded cake that can be sweet, often served with clotted cream and jam, or savoury, used as an accompaniment to other meals.

Scotch bonnet

Very hot, small chilli, similar to the habanero. After preparing chillis, it is very important to avoid contact with the eyes or any sensitive skin - even washing the hands may not be enough to remove all the capsaicin, the volatile oil in the fruit that gives it its hot taste.

Scrag

Cut of lamb from the neck, used in casseroles and stews.

Sea bream

White fish with a number of varieties available, sold whole or as fillets. Coarse, succulent flesh ideal for grilling, baking and frying.

Semolina

A very coarse flour used to make pizza and bread. Also refers to rounded parts of wheat used to make a pudding of the same name.

Shin

Cut of beef from the foreleg, used for casseroles and stews.

Shortbread

A sweet biscuit, fairly dense and rich in butter. Eaten on its own or used as a base for tarts.

Shortcrust pastry

Probably the most useful and versatile pastry, shortcrust is a crumbly pastry that is ideal for pies and pasties.

Shuck

To open an oyster shell with a small, thick-bladed knife.

Sichuan pepper

Sichuan or anise pepper is actually not pepper but the very hot and peppery dried red berries of a type of ash tree. The berries are roasted and ground to make a very pungent and aromatic seasoning used in Chinese cuisine. Sichuan pepper is also one of the spices of Chinese five-spice powder.

Silverside

Cut of beef from the rear of the animal, used for boiling, stews, casseroles and mince.

Simnel cake

Now an Easter cake, this was originally given by servant girls to their mothers when they went home on Mothering Sunday. A fairly rich fruit cake, it is covered with almond paste or marzipan, stamped with the figure of Christ and decorated with 11 marzipan balls to represent the 11 apostles (excluding Judas).

Sippet

A small piece of toast or fried bread used as a garnish.

Sirloin

Premium cut of beef from the back, sold as roasting joints and fillet steaks.

Slake

To mix a thickening agent with liquid, eg cornflour, arrowroot.

Sm

An assortment of hot and cold dishes served in Sweden as hors d'oeuvres or a full buffet meal. It should not just simply be a few salmon canap

Smoothie

A non-alcoholic cold drink made up of a mixture of the juices and pulp of fruit or vegetables blitzed into a smooth drink.

Soba noodles

Japanese noodles made from buckwheat.

Sorrel

Sorrel comes in several varieties, including wild sorrel and French sorrel. Its name derives from the French for sour, in reference to the plant

Soy sauce

A condiment made from fermented soya beans and salt which forms a basic ingredient in both Japanese and Chinese cooking.

Spelt

Native to southern Europe, where it's been used for thousands of years, spelt is an ancient cereal grain that has a mellow nutty flavour. The easily digestible spelt has a slightly higher protein content than wheat and can be tolerated by those with wheat allergies. Spelt flour, available in health-food stores, can be substituted for wheat flour in baked goods.

Sprue asparagus

The thinnings or first pickings of the asparagus bed which have a good flavour - and should be cheaper than asparagus proper.

Squid

A sea mollusc related to the cuttlefish, also known as calamari. Squid can be grilled or fried and larger squid can be added to stews or cooked in their own ink.

Star anise

The fruit of a shrub native to the Far East, star anise is shaped like an eight-pointed star and contains seeds with an aniseed flavour. It is used widely in Chinese cooking.

Starfruit

Also known as carambola, this yellow fruit becomes a five-pointed star when sliced widthways. Star fruits have a slightly sweet and sour taste, so are often used more for decoration in fruit salads.

Stock

A flavoured liquid base for making a sauce, stew or braised dish. Made by simmering beef, chicken or fish with vegetables, aromatic ingredients and water. Vegetable stock simply misses out the meat.

Strudel

Austrian sweet made from very thin layers of pastry wrapped round fruit, most famously apple. A savoury version can also be made.

Stuffing

Thick paste made from dry ingredients like herbs, breadcrumbs and nuts, bound together with egg. Can be used to stuff the inside of roast meats or baked separately and served as an accompaniment.

Sweat

To cook vegetables very slowly in a little fat and their own steam so they soften but do not brown.

Sweet chestnut

The fruit of the sweet chestnut tree that is edible when cooked. Often roasted and eaten whole, or added to other dishes such as stuffing. Can also be ground to make flour. Chestnuts make a good accompaniment to Brussels sprouts and are served with many winter dishes, especially poultry and game.

Sweet potato

Root vegetable that resembles a potato, but is quite different. Often pinkish in colour, the sweet potato can be cooked in a variety of ways - though it is often baked.

Syllabub

English dessert made of whipped cream, white wine and sugar, usually infused with lemon. Syllabub dates back to the time of Elizabeth I.