FOOD IDIOMS
If something is “a piece of cake”
Very easy
Food that has almost no flavor and tastes flat or dull
bland
Bread or crackers that are old and hard, no longer fresh
stale
To cook something slowly in hot water that is just below boiling point
simmer
The savory, rich taste often associated with meat, mushrooms, or soy sauce
umami
If someone tells you to “spill the beans"
Reveal a secret or tell information that was supposed to be private.
A ______-water meal
mouth
Meat that is tender and easy to chew is the opposite of
tough
To cut food (like onions) into very small, precise square pieces
dice
Dark chocolate, plain coffee, and grapefruit all have this taste
bitter
If you say something is “not my cup of tea"
You don't particularly like or enjoy it
Something that you don't like at first, but learn to like over time
An acquired taste
Food cooked with a lot of chili, spices, or peppers
spicy / pungent
To rub cheese, carrots, or lemon zest against a rough metal tool
grate
Food that has a strong, pleasant smell is often described as
aromatic
Learning to cook traditional Vietnamese food is a "tough nut to crack”
It is difficult to understand, solve, or master
A diet that completely excludes all animal products, including dairy and eggs
vegan
Lemons, limes, and unripe fruit have this basic taste
sour
To pour liquid (like oil or sauce) slowly over food while cooking
drizzle
Food that leaves a burning sensation in your mouth is
spicy / fiery
Don't cry over ______ milk.
spilled
"A well-______ diet" (a diet that includes all essential nutrients in proper proportions)
Balanced
Food that is extremely rich, fatty, or leaves oil on your fingers
greasy
To cook food in a small amount of fat/oil over high heat, stirring quickly
sauté (or stir-fry)
Food that has almost no flavor at all is described as
bland