English Story - Cerita Bahasa Inggris : The Voices at The Window (Ukrainian Folktales)

 

(Home Cooking)

The heart of many homes beats in the kitchen, and for good reason! Cooking at home is not only a practical skill but also a creative outlet, a way to nourish ourselves and our loved ones, and even a journey into different cultures through their cuisines. If you're learning English, the kitchen provides a fantastic opportunity to expand your vocabulary related to ingredients, cooking methods, and kitchen equipment. So, put on your apron, and let's explore the essential English words that will make you a home cooking hero!

Essential Vocabulary for Your Culinary Creations:

To navigate recipes and talk about cooking, you'll need to know these key terms:

• Ingredients:
• Fruits: apple, banana, orange, strawberry, grapes, etc.
• Vegetables: carrot, onion, potato, broccoli, tomato, spinach, etc.
• Meat: chicken, beef, pork, lamb, fish, shrimp, etc.
• Dairy: milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, cream, eggs
• Grains: rice, pasta, bread, flour, oats
• Spices: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, etc.
• Herbs: basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, etc.
• Liquids: water, oil, vinegar, sauce, broth
• Cooking Verbs (Methods):
• Cutting: chop, dice, slice, mince, grate, peel
• Heating: boil, fry, bake, roast, grill, steam, sauté, simmer
• Mixing: stir, whisk, beat, fold, knead, blend
• Measuring: measure, weigh, pour, add, teaspoon (tsp), tablespoon (tbsp), cup, pint, liter
• Preparing: wash, drain, marinate, season
• Kitchen Equipment:
• Appliances: oven, stove, refrigerator, microwave, blender, mixer, toaster
• Cookware: pot, pan, skillet, saucepan, baking sheet, casserole dish
• Utensils: knife, fork, spoon, spatula, whisk, ladle, measuring cups, measuring spoons
• Other: cutting board, bowl, colander, grater, peeler

Following a Recipe in English:

Recipes are your roadmap in the kitchen. Here's how to understand common instructions:

• "Preheat the oven to [temperature]." (Turn on the oven to a specific heat.)
• "Chop the onions finely." (Cut the onions into small pieces.)
• "Add one cup of flour." (Measure and put in the flour.)
• "Stir the ingredients together." (Mix them with a spoon or other utensil.)
• "Bake for [time] at [temperature]." (Cook in the oven for a specific duration and heat.)
• "Season with salt and pepper." (Add salt and pepper to taste.)
• "Serve hot." (Eat while the food is warm.)

Talking About Cooking and Food:

Here are some phrases you can use when discussing cooking:

• "I'm going to cook [dish name] tonight."
• "Do you want to help me cook?"
• "What's your favorite thing to cook?"
• "This recipe is easy/difficult."
• "It smells delicious!"
• "How does it taste?"
• "I need to buy some [ingredient] from the store."

Expanding Your Culinary Vocabulary:

To become a more confident home cook in English, try these tips:

• Read English recipes online or in cookbooks.
• Watch English cooking shows or YouTube channels.
• Label items in your kitchen with their English names.
• Talk to English-speaking friends or family about cooking.
• Use English language learning apps that have food and cooking sections.

Cooking at home is a rewarding experience, and learning the English vocabulary associated with it will open up a whole new world of culinary possibilities. From understanding recipes to confidently discussing your creations, these words and phrases will empower you in the kitchen. So, don't be afraid to experiment, try new dishes, and share your culinary adventures in English! What's your favorite dish to cook at home? Share your recipes or cooking tips in the comments below!