RSRobince Studio

Cooking a Special Dish

Rahul tries cooking biryani for the first time, following a recipe video and asking his mother for tips over the phone.

Rahul, Mother

Key words and phrases

recipea set of instructions for preparing a dishHe followed the recipe step by step.
ingredientsthe items used to prepare a dishHe gathered all the ingredients before starting.
marinateto soak meat or vegetables in a seasoned mixture before cookingMarinate the chicken for at least an hour.
simmerto cook gently at a low, steady heatLet the gravy simmer for ten minutes.
consistencythe thickness or texture of a food mixtureThe batter should have a smooth consistency.
garnisha decoration added to food before servingAdd fresh coriander as a garnish.
seasoningsalt, spices, or herbs added to enhance flavourAdjust the seasoning to your taste.
leftoverfood remaining after a mealWe had the leftover biryani for lunch the next day.
pressure cookera sealed pot used to cook food quickly under steam pressureHe cooked the rice in a pressure cooker.
taste testchecking a dish's flavour before serving itAlways do a taste test before adding more salt.
sautéto fry food quickly in a little oil over high heatSauté the onions until golden brown.
whiskto beat ingredients quickly to mix or add airWhisk the eggs until they turn frothy.
chopto cut food into small piecesChop the tomatoes finely for the gravy.
to boilto heat a liquid until it bubblesBoil the rice until it is half cooked.
spatulaa flat kitchen tool used for stirring or flipping foodUse a spatula to stir the gravy gently.
aromaa pleasant, distinctive smell, especially of foodThe aroma of spices filled the kitchen.
dum cookingslow-cooking food in a sealed pot over very low heatThe biryani is finished with dum cooking for the last step.
kneadto press and fold dough with the handsKnead the dough until it becomes soft.
to stirto mix ingredients using a circular motionStir the gravy so it doesn't stick to the pan.
staleno longer fresh, especially bread or cooked food kept too longThe roti is stale, let's make a fresh batch.
blandhaving little or no flavourI don't drink bland tea, add a little more sugar and ginger.
uncookednot fully cooked throughThe rice is uncooked in the middle, give it a few more minutes.
siftto pass flour or a powder through a sieve to remove lumpsI am sifting the flour before I start kneading the dough.
to preheatto heat an oven or pan before using itPreheat the oven before placing the tray inside.

Useful sentences

Dialogue

RahulMom, I'm trying to make your biryani recipe today.

MotherWonderful! Have you marinated the chicken yet?

RahulYes, it's been sitting for an hour now.

MotherGood. Now let the rice and gravy layers simmer together.

RahulHow do I know when the consistency is right?

MotherDo a taste test after fifteen minutes and adjust the seasoning.

RahulIt smells amazing already! Should I sauté some extra onions for garnish?

MotherGood idea. Fry them in a separate pan until crisp.

RahulDone. Now should I close the lid for the dum cooking?

MotherYes, seal the edges with dough and keep it on very low heat.

Common mistakes

Quick quiz

1. What does "simmer" mean?

2. Food remaining after a meal is called ___.

3. Complete: "Always do a ___ before adding more salt."

4. What does "sauté" mean?

5. Slow-cooking food in a sealed pot over very low heat is called ___.

6. Complete: "The ___ of spices filled the kitchen."

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