TOEFL® Vocabulary Flashcard

Basil is a popular culinary herb that is often associated with Mediterranean and Italian cuisine but is used worldwide. It has a distinctive flavor that can be described as somewhat sweet and pungent, which makes it a favorite in many dishes, including sauces, salads, and pizzas. Basil not only adds flavor to dishes but also provides health benefits as it contains essential oils, antioxidants, and vitamins.

• I need to buy some basil for the tomato sauce I'm making tonight.

• Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma to any dish.

• Can you smell the basil in this pesto? It's very fragrant. 

Biscotti, originally from Italy, are twice-baked cookies that are dry and crunchy. They often contain nuts and are typically dunked in coffee or tea. The double-baking process removes moisture, which allows these cookies to be stored for long periods. They are popular during holidays and as accompaniments to hot beverages.

• I love dunking my biscotti in hot coffee during breakfast.

• She made a batch of almond biscotti for the family gathering.

• The crunchy texture of biscotti makes it a perfect companion to creamy desserts.

Bolognese sauce is a traditional Italian meat-based sauce that originates from Bologna, Italy. It is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine and is used as a sauce for pasta, lasagna, and other dishes. The sauce is known for its slow-cooked richness, which allows the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and tomatoes to meld beautifully.

• I'm making spaghetti bolognese for dinner tonight.

• Many chefs have their own unique twist on traditional Bolognese.

• The secret to a great bolognese sauce is simmering it for several hours.

• Have you ever tried vegetarian bolognese? It uses lentils instead of meat.

Bruschetta is a traditional Italian antipasto that consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and basil. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the freshness of its ingredients, making it a popular choice in Italian cuisine and among those who appreciate Mediterranean flavors.

• We started our meal with a fresh tomato bruschetta.

• She topped the grilled bread with mozzarella and basil to make a delicious bruschetta.

• At the party, the bruschetta with balsamic reduction was a hit among the guests.

Calamari is a popular dish in many parts of the world, often served as a fried appetizer with various dipping sauces. The term originates from the Italian word "calamaro," which means squid. Calamari can be prepared in various ways, including frying, grilling, or sautéing, and is celebrated for its tender texture when cooked properly.

• We ordered a plate of calamari as an appetizer.

• The calamari is served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

• I prefer my calamari crispy and not too oily.

• The calamari was perfectly crispy and served with a tangy sauce.

• I prefer grilled calamari over the fried version.

Cannoli are a traditional Italian dessert that originated in Sicily. They consist of tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough, filled with a sweet, creamy filling usually containing ricotta. Cannoli come in various sizes and can be garnished with powdered sugar, chocolate chips, or pistachios. They are particularly popular during festive seasons and are a staple in Italian-American cuisine.

• We ended our meal with a delicious cannoli.

• The bakery is famous for its homemade cannoli filled with ricotta cheese.

• I can never resist the crunchy texture and sweet filling of a good cannoli.

• The bakery is famous for its homemade cannoli.

• I prefer my cannoli with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.

Caprese salad is a simple yet delightful dish originating from Italy, specifically the island of Capri. It is traditionally made with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. This dish represents the colors of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. It is often enjoyed as a starter or a light meal during the summer months when tomatoes are at their peak.

• I decided to make a Caprese salad for lunch since it's both delicious and easy to prepare.

• The key to a perfect Caprese salad is using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

• For our dinner party, we started with a Caprese salad topped with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

• Our restaurant's menu has been updated to include a delicious Caprese salad as a starter. 

Carbonara is a popular Italian pasta dish that has won the hearts of many around the world. It originated from Rome and is named after "carbonaro," the Italian word for charcoal burner, suggesting that the dish was a favorite among charcoal workers. The dish is known for its rich and creamy texture, which is achieved without using cream but instead with the clever combination of egg, cheese, and pasta water.

• I'm craving carbonara for dinner tonight.

• I made spaghetti carbonara for dinner last night.

• Do you prefer carbonara or bolognese sauce with your pasta?

• The secret to a creamy carbonara is to mix the eggs with the pasta off the heat.

Eggplant Parmigiana, often shortened to Eggplant Parm, is a beloved dish in Italian cuisine. It consists of sliced eggplant, layered with tomato sauce, cheese, and sometimes basil, then baked to perfection. The dish is known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities, making it a favorite in both home kitchens and restaurants. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish, often accompanied by pasta.

• We decided to make Eggplant Parmigiana for dinner tonight.

• Eggplant Parmigiana is often served with a side of spaghetti.

• Eggplant Parmigiana is a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and delicious.

• Many restaurants serve Eggplant Parmigiana with a side of spaghetti.

Focaccia is a popular Italian bread that is known for its flavorful toppings and soft, chewy texture. It is typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and various herbs like rosemary or thyme, which give it a distinctive taste and aroma. This bread can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or used as a base for sandwiches. Its versatility and delicious taste make it a favorite in many households and restaurants.

• I made rosemary focaccia for the dinner party.

• This focaccia is perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

• We topped our focaccia with olives and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

• Focaccia is often served as a side dish or used as sandwich bread.

Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dish that consists of small dough dumplings. These dumplings are primarily made from potato, but variations can include other ingredients such as ricotta or semolina. Gnocchi can be served with a variety of sauces and is often garnished with herbs or cheese to enhance its flavor. This dish is enjoyed in various forms across different regions of Italy and has become popular internationally.

• I made potato gnocchi for dinner last night.

• Have you ever tried making homemade gnocchi?

• I prefer to make my gnocchi from scratch, it tastes fresher. 

Lasagna is a popular Italian dish that has been embraced all around the world. It consists of layers of flat pasta alternated with fillings such as ragù (meat sauce), other vegetables, cheese, and seasonings and spices such as garlic, oregano, and basil. The dish is then topped with cheese and baked in the oven. Each layer of lasagna adds to the richness and depth of flavor, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

• We made lasagna for dinner last night.

• My mother makes the best lasagna in our family.

• For dinner, we had lasagna and a green salad.

• I learned a new recipe for vegetable lasagna that doesn't use any meat.

• My favorite type of lasagna includes lots of vegetables and cheese.

Minestrone is a traditional Italian soup made from a variety of vegetables, often with the addition of pasta or rice. Common ingredients include beans, onions, celery, carrots, and tomatoes. This soup is known for its thick, hearty texture and is often served as a main course rather than a starter. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to whatever vegetables are in season, making it a popular choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

• I decided to make minestrone because it's a healthy and filling option for dinner.

• The restaurant's minestrone has a wonderful aroma and comes served with freshly grated Parmesan.

• Whenever it gets cold, I crave a big bowl of minestrone to warm me up.

Mozzarella is a soft cheese from Italy that is famously used in dishes like pizza and Caprese salad. It is known for its mild flavor and stretchy texture, which makes it perfect for melting. Mozzarella can be made from either cow's milk or water buffalo's milk, the latter being traditional and known as "mozzarella di Bufala."

• This pizza is topped with fresh mozzarella and basil.

• I love the creamy texture of mozzarella in my salad.

• Can you add extra mozzarella to my sandwich?

• I love the way mozzarella melts over a hot dish.

Pasta is a type of food typically made from an unleavened dough of wheat flour mixed with water or eggs, and formed into sheets or various shapes, then cooked by boiling or baking. Originating from Italy, pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine and has become popular worldwide. It can be served with a variety of sauces and is often paired with meat, vegetables, or cheese.

• I love eating pasta with tomato sauce.

• Do you prefer pasta or rice for dinner?

• We learned how to make fresh pasta in our cooking class. 

• Do you prefer pasta with tomato sauce or cream sauce?

• There are many different shapes of pasta available at the grocery store.

Pesto is a versatile sauce originating from Italy, traditionally made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. It is commonly used as a condiment or a sauce for pasta dishes but can also be used in various other recipes such as sandwiches and salads. The fresh ingredients give it a distinctive and vibrant flavor, making it a favorite among many who enjoy Italian cuisine.

• I made pasta with homemade pesto sauce last night.

• You can add some pesto to your sandwich for extra flavor.

• Many chefs use pesto to enhance the taste of grilled chicken.

• I spread some pesto on my sandwich for extra flavor.

• This pasta tastes amazing with a bit of pesto mixed in.

• Can you pass the pesto? I'd like to add some to my salad.

Quattro Formaggi, literally meaning "four cheeses" in Italian, refers to a type of dish where four distinct varieties of cheese are used, often including mozzarella, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, and another variety such as Asiago or Fontina. This combination offers a rich and complex flavor profile that is popular in various Italian dishes, especially pizzas and pasta dishes. The blend of these cheeses provides a smooth, creamy texture and a deep, satisfying taste that cheese lovers particularly enjoy.

• I ordered a Quattro Formaggi pizza, and it was incredibly cheesy and delicious.

• The Quattro Formaggi sauce made the pasta exceptionally creamy.

• Can you tell me which cheeses are in this Quattro Formaggi? 

Risotto is a classic Italian dish that has gained international popularity. It is made by cooking short-grain rice with broth until it reaches a creamy consistency. The dish often includes other ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, or meat to enhance its flavor. The key to a perfect risotto is the slow cooking process and continuous stirring, which helps to release the starch from the rice, creating its signature creaminess.

• Risotto is best served creamy and al dente.

• He cooked a delicious mushroom risotto for dinner.

• Making a perfect risotto requires patience and constant stirring.

• For a vegetarian option, mushroom risotto is a delicious choice.

Spaghetti is a popular Italian pasta that is characterized by its long, thin shape. It is commonly served with various types of sauces, such as marinara, Bolognese, or Alfredo, and is often topped with ingredients like meatballs, vegetables, or cheese. Spaghetti dishes are enjoyed worldwide and are a staple in many Italian cuisine-inspired meals.

• We had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner last night.

• She twirled the spaghetti around her fork.

• The recipe calls for one pound of spaghetti.

• Can you teach me how to make homemade spaghetti?

Stew as a noun refers to a dish where solid ingredients, typically meat and vegetables, are slowly cooked in liquid to create a hearty meal. The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully and meats to become tender. As a verb, stew means to cook food slowly and gently in a closed pot or pan. It is a popular cooking technique in many cultures around the world, known for producing comforting and flavorful dishes.

• She made a delicious beef stew for dinner.

• Let the stew simmer for a few hours to enhance the flavors.

• He prefers to stew chicken with vegetables for a healthy meal.