Glossary of Ingredients

Some of the ingredients used in our recipes may be unfamiliar to you, so we’ve listed a selection of them here. Most of these ingredients are available in your local supermarket, however others are found in Chinese or Indian grocery stores and in many health food shops.

  • Agar Agar

    Made from seaweed and used as a nutritious replacement for gelatine. Agar agar comes in strips or powder form (which is much easier to use). Available at Asian or Indian grocers.

    Agar Agar

  • Arrowroot

    Powder made from the root of the arrowroot plant. Used instead of cornflour as it has more nutritional value.

    Arrowroot

  • Asafetida

    A delicious yellow powdered spice which is often used as a substitute for garlic and onions. Available from Indian or Asian grocers and some health food shops.

    Asafetida

  • Atta Flour

    A heavy stone-ground wheat flour available from Indian grocers.

    Atta Flour

  • Besan Flour

    Otherwise known as chickpea flour, this is a fine flour made from chickpeas. When toasted it has a slightly nutty flavour and delicious aroma. Available at health food stores, some supermarkets and Indian or Asian grocers.

    Besan Flour

  • Black Bean Sauce

    Available in jars at most supermarkets in the Asian section or Asian grocers. Just make sure that it doesn’t contain fish products.

    Black Bean Sauce

  • Bocconcini

    A Mediterranean style cheese which comes in small balls. It has a similar texture to mozzarella cheese. Available in the delicatessen section at the supermarket.

    Bocconcini

  • Burghul

    A wheat product similar to cous-cous available at health food stores.

    Burghul

  • Daikon Radish

    Large Asian radish which looks like a very large carrot, but white in colour. Available at Asian grocers and some supermarkets.

    Daikon Radish

  • Egg Replacer

    A fine white powder made predominately from potato starch and mixed with water to use as in place of eggs in some recipes. It is available from health food stores of at most supermarkets in the health food section.

    Egg Replacer

  • Garam Masala

    A mixture of sweet Indian spices. Available at supermarkets, Asian and Indian grocers.

    Garam Masala

  • Ghee

    Clarified butter that is a healthy and economical alternative for deep or shallow frying, as it is reusable. Just strain after use and store in a cool place. Traditionally used in Indian cooking instead of oil. Adds a delicious flavour to dishes.

    Ghee