Green mangoes are dried and powdered to make amchur, a tart powder used in dishes where acidity is required. In particular, it is used for sprinkling over crisply roasted or fried lentil snacks. Amchur is used to add tartness without moisture. Substitute lime or lemon juice or tamarind pulp where the addition of a wet ingredient does not jeopardize the consistency of the dish.
Also known as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). A flavor enhancer for a large variety of processed foods including meat, poultry and vegetable entrees; provides exceptional advantages in the formulation of snacks, soups, sauces and gravies.
Acetic acid is formed when common airborne bacteria interact with the alcohol present in fermented solutions such as wine, beer or cider. Acetic acid is the constituent that makes vinegar sour.
Almonds are oval shaped nuts brown color with sweet flavor. To blanch almonds hold in boiling water for two minutes. Remove and when cool enough hold between fingers and press the hard skin will peel off. To toast bake in preheated oven at 325 deg Fahrenheit (166 deg centigrade) for about six minutes till begins to change color and allow to cool.
Asafetida (Hing) is the dried latex from the rhizome of plant of fennel family. Produced in Afghanistan and Iran. It has a very strong pungent and a unpleasant flavor. Used in lentils, vegetables and pickles. It is available as fine yellow powder and only a pinch is to be used because of its very strong aroma
Aniseeds (Saunf) is a spice having aromatic and sweet taste. Used in many Indian preparations, some sweets and candies. These are also taken as raw and blended with sugar, nuts and spices as mouth refresher after meals.
Asparagus is a delicately flavored vegetable that grow as stem. It is available fresh and also tinned and are long slender like vegetable that mostly grow in spring and summer. The tender tip has a delicate flavor. These are available in all grocery stores.