Mamta's Kitchen

Glossary

This section provides a translation of some common Hindi words that occur in the recipes into their English equivalents.

To make it easier to find the words you're looking for, you can either order this list by English or by Hindi.

EnglishHindi
Green or Brown Lentil or Whole Red LentilMasoor, Sabut 1
A goan, alcohlic drinkFeni or Pheni
A type of Carp Fish (green carp)Rui or Rohu Machli
A type of rock saltSendha Namak
A variety of Carp fish (green carp)Rohu or Rui Machli
All SpiceKabab-Chini (Kebab Cheeni)
AlmondBadam
Aloe VeraGwar Patha
Alubia Beans, A type of Kidney BeansSafed Rajma
AlumPhitkari
Amaranth (leaves or grain)Chauli, Chaulai, Chavlerr, Chowli, Chowlai, Ramdana
Amaranth LeavesChaulli or Chowlii Chauli, Chavleri Sag
Anchovy fishMourola or Velli Machli
Anise seedsSaunf, Patli or fine ((Shatphool or Dodda jeera)
Aniseed (see also saunf)Vilayati saunf
AppleSaev or saeb (often spelled as sev or seb)
ApricotKhubani, Khumani, Jardaloo, Khurmani
ArrowrootAraroot or Paniphal or Tikora
ArtichokeHathi chak (not 100% sure!)
AsafoetidaHing or Heeng
AsafoetidaHeeng or Hing
AsparagusShatwar or Halyan or Sootmooli
AubergineBaingan
Avocado or ButterfruitMakhanphal
Baking sodaSoda - pakane wala
BambooBans
BananaKela
Banana, greenHara Kela
BasilTulsi
Basil seeds,Subja or Sabja
Bay leafTej Patta or Tez Patta
Bean CurdTofu
Bean, flat greenSem
Beckti or BhetkiBhetki
BeefGai ka gosht or mans
BeetrootChukandar
Bell peppersShimla mirch
Belliric MyrobalanHarad or Haritaki
Bengal gram flourBesan
Bengal Gram leavesChane ka Saag (leaves)
Bengal Gram or Black ChickpeaChana Kala
Bengal Gram or Black ChickpeaKala Chana
Bengal Gram-greenHara Chana
Berries of Indian Jujube or ZizyphusBaer or Ber fruit
Betel leafPan or Paan
Betel nutSupari/Chali/Chalia
Bicarbonate of sodaMeetha Soda
Bitter gourdKarela
BlackKala
Black Cumin SeedsShahi Jeera
Black Cumin SeedsKashmiri Jeera
Black cumin seedsKala Jeera
Black gram, split and skinlessUrad (Urid) dal, dhuli (very pale yellow in colour)
Black gram, split and with skinUrad (Urid) dal with chilka
Black gram, wholeUrad (Urid) Sabut
Black PepperKali mirch
Black Rock salt, a pungent saltKala namak or Sanchal
Black-eyed beansLobia or Lobhia or Chowli
Boiled riceBhat
Bombay Duck (Fish)Bumallo or Bombil, a small fish
BoneHaddi
Bottle GourdGhia
Bottle gourdDudhi
Bottle gourd or Chinese melonLauki or Lawki or Loki or Dudhi
BrainBheja
BreadDouble Roti
BrinjalBaingan
Broad BeansSem or saem variety
BroccoliHari Phoolgobhi
BucketBalti
ButterMakkhan
ButterMakhan
Butter BeansNo Hindi name
Butter Fish, IndianPabda or Pupta machli
Buttermilk-culturedMattha
CabbageBand Gobhi or Patta Gobhi
CamphorKapoor or kapur
Cape GooseberryRasbhari
CapsicumShimla mirch
CarawaySiya jeera
Cardamom GreenChoti or green Ilaichi/Ellaichi,
Cardamom Large-Brown or BlackIllaichi/Elaichi Bari/Badi
Carom seedsAjwain
Carp FishKatla or Rohu or Rui Machli
CarrotGajar
Cashew nutsKaju
Cassava, Mandioca, Manioc, Yucca, ManihotSimla aloo, Simla alu, Mogo
CassiaCinnamon like bark, used in Indian cooking
CastorArandi
Catechu, AcaciaKaththa, Cutch, Katha, Khair
Catfish or Pangasus (family Pangasiidae)Pangush Machli Pariasi or Pangas, Pongas, Pungas or Sangatam or Sangat
CauliflowerPhool/Phul Gobhi
CauliflowerGobhi or phool-gobhi
Celery and ParsleyAjmud or Ajmoda or Doroo or Randhuni
CeralAnaj or Anaaj
Chapatti flourAtta
Chick pea or Gram or Bengal GramChana Kala (also see Kabuli Chana)
ChickenMurga
ChickenMurgi
ChickenMurg
Chicory, Succory, Wild EndiveKasani
ChilliMirch
Chop (as in Lamb chop)Chaamp
ChutneyChatni
CilantroDhania
Cilantro (American word)Hara Dhania
CinnamonDalchini or Darchini
Citric acidTartrii or Nimbu Sat
Citric acid, edible typeTaatri or tatri
ClamsTeesrya or Kavchi
Clarified butterGhee
Cleaver knife, LargeGandasa
Climbing Perch (Fish)Koi Machli
CloveLavang
CloveLaung
Cluster BeanGowar ki phali
Cobra saffronNag-kesar
CocoaCoco
CoconutNariyal, Copra, Kopra, Khopra
Coconut oilNarial ka Tael
Cod FishGobro
Colocasia, Taro, Elephant ear, Eddo, Dasheen,Arbi or Arvi
Colocsia leafPatra or Arvi Patta
Condensed, solidified milkMawa
Cooked in Tandoor OvenTandoori
Cooked with lots of butter or creamMakhani, pronounced as Maakhani
Coriander leaves or CilantroHara dhania or Kothamalli
CornMakai or Makka or Makki
Corn on the cobBhutta Sabut
CornmealMakki ka Atta
CowGai
Cowpea or Black Eyed beanLobia/Lobhia/Chowli/Karamani/Chola
CrabKekra or Kenkra or Kekda or Kurlya
Cracked wheatLapsi
Cracked wheat (like Bulgar Wheat)Dalia
Crystalised sugar lumpsMisri or Mishri
Cubes of skewered meatShashlik Kebab
CucumberKheera
Cudpah nutCharoli
Cultured ButtermilkChaach or Chach or Chaas or Chas
CuminZeera
CuminJeera
Curd (in India)Dahi
Currants; Small, dark raisins, made from red, seedless grapes, with a slightly tangy flavourKishmish or Kismis, choti, kali
CurryMeans only gravy in India. in UK, it is any spicy, hot, Indian dish
Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii)Curry Patta, Meetha Neem, Kari Patta, Kurry Patta, Mahanimb, Surabhi-nimba, Kadhi-limbdo, Kath-nim, Gore-Nimb, Narasingha, Barsanga, Basango
Custard appleSitaphal (some people call Pumpkin Sitaphal)
Custard appleSharifa
DateKhajur
DillSowa or suwa
Dill weedSuwa sag
Dill weedSoa Sag
DoughGoondha Atta
Dried fruitsMewa
Dried ginger powderSonth
Dried green mango, powderedAmchur/Aamchoor (aam=mango, choor=powder)
Dried Pomegranate seeds, used in Indian cookingAnar dana
Drumstick (Vegetable))Saijan or Shinga or Saijam or Senjan or Sejanki ki phali, Seeng
Dry Date Chuara
Dry DateChuara (Chu-a-ra)
Dry Fenugreek LeavesKasoori Methi
Dry White Peas (Field Peas) Matar or Mutter, Safaid
Dry White Peas (Field Peas) Matar or Mutter, Sookhi
DuckButtak or Battak
Earthenware, Indian cooking potHandi
Edible beaten SilverChandi Varak
EggAnda
EggAnda
EggplantBaingan
Elephant YamSuran
Elephant YamSooran
Essence (generic)Ittar
Essence (generic)Attar
Essence (generic)Khusboo
Essence (generic)Ruh
Fava bean or Hyacinth Beans, a type of broad beans, also known as Windsor bean and horse beansVaal Dal or Sem or Papri or Valor papdi
FennelSaunf, Moti
FennelSaunf, Moti (Shatphool or Dodda jeera)
FennelSaunf
FennelSonf
Fenugreek leaves, dryKasoori methi
Fenugreek SeedsMethi dana
FigAnjeer or Anjir
Fish (generic)Machchhi
Fish (generic)Machli
Fish RoeMachli ke Ande
Flattened rice (thicker than flaked rice)Chiwra, Chiwda, Chira, Aval, Poha, Puha
Flax Seeds, LinseedAlsi
FlourAtta
For kings or RoyalShahi
French BeansPharas Beans
FruitPhal
Gamboge, Garcinia xanthochymusKokum
Garcinia Indica (Fruit indigenous to the west coast)Amsool
GarlicLahsun or Lassan Or Lahsan
Gherkin like vegetableKundru
Giant Sea Perch FishBarramundi machli
GingerAdrak
Ginger powderSonth or saunth
Ginger powderSaunth or Sonth
Ginger PowderSonth or Saunth
GoatBakra
Goat or KidBakra or bakri
Gold leaf - edibleVarak - Sona
GrapeAngoor or Angur
GraterKaddu kas
GravyTari or Shorba or Saalan (Urdu)
GravyRasa (Hindi)
Gravy of a currySalan or Saalan
Gray QuailBatair
Green BananaKachcha Kela
Green banana (not plantain)Hara kela
Green cardamomChoti Ilaichi or elaichi
Green Gram or Mung Bean, split, skinless or hulledMoong or Mung Dal Dhuli (light yellow in colour)
Green Gram or mung Bean, split, with skinMoong dal Chilka
Green Gram. Can be whole or split, with skin/skinless -washedMung Dal or Beans
Green leaf vegetables like spinach, mustard greens or fenugreek leavesSaag or Sag (generic)
Green leaves , like spinach or mustard leaves (generic)Sag (generic word)
Green PeasMatar or Mutter, Hari
Green peppersShimla mirch
GriddleTawa
Ground nutsMoongphali
GuavaAmrood
GuavaAmrud
Hassian sackBori
HempBhang
HempBhang
HerringBhing machli
HoneyMadhu
HoneyShahad
Hyacinth Beans or Fava bean, a type of broad beans, also known as Windsor bean and horse beansVaal Dal or Sem or Papri or Valor papdi
Indian Butter FishPupta or Pabda machli
Indian clay ovenTandoor
Indian cooking pot with lidBhagona
Indian Cottage cheese, Casein, fromage blancChenna or Paneer
Indian Cottage cheese, fromage blancPaneer or Chena
Indian Fudge with condensed milk and other ingredientsBurfi
Indian Gooseberry (Emblica offcinalis), sometimes called Hogs PlumAmla or Aamla
Indian Kitchen TongsPakkad
Indian Panny WortBrahmi
Indian SalmonRawas or Ravas Machli
Indian SalmonRaavas Machli
Indian scotch eggNargis kebab
Indian Shad fish or IlishHilsa machli
Indian sweet gourdLauki or Loki
Indian sweet gourdDudhi
Indian sweet gourdGhia
Indian unleavened breadRoti
Indian unleavened, Indian, thin bread cooked on gridleChapatti or Chapati or Roti
Indian WokKarahi
Indian YamJimikand
Indian, Flat Grinding Stone & PestleSil-batta
Indian, thin cucumberKakadi
Indian, thin cucumberKakari
Ivy GourdTindora, Tindla, Tondli
Ivy GourdTindora, Tindla, Tondli
JackfruitKat-hal (Cut-hal)
Jaggery or Jagary (made by condensing juice of sugar cane)Gur or Gud
Jambu, Java Plum, Jambolan, Malabar Plum, Eugenia jambolanaJamun fruit
Jaun or JawBarley
JuiceRas
Karimeen MachliPearl Spot Fish
KebabchiniAllspice
KebabsKabab
KidneyGurda
Kidney Beans or Red Kidney BeansRajma
King FishSurmai or Visonu Machli
KnifeChakku or Chaku
Kohl RabiGanth Gobhi
Lady FishNogli or Murdoshi or Kane Machli
Lady FishKane or Nogli Machli or Murdoshi
Lady's fingersBhindi
LambBher or Bhed
Lamb\'s-quarter, Fat Hen, Pigweed, White GoosefootBathua Sag/saag
Large spoon or ladleChamcha
Large Sultanas or CurrantsMunakka
LegRan or Raan
Leg of muttonBakre ki Raan
LemonNeembu - peela
LemonNimbu or Neembu (Western)
LimeNimbu or Neembu (Indian)
LinseedAlsi, Jawas or Tishi
Liquorice LicoriceMulhathi Mulhati Yashti-Madhu Yashti-Madhuka Jethimadh
Liquorice LicoriceMulahati Mulethi Jashtimodhu Mulhatti Mulhathi
Little, round, green gourdTinda
LiverKaleji
LiverJigar
LiverKaleja
LoquatLokat
Lotus rootKamal Kakri, Kamal Gatta, Bhein, Bhen
Lotus RootBhein or Bhain or Bhen or Kamal Kakri
LycheeLeechee or Lichi
MaceJavitri
Mackerel (fish)Bangra or Bangda Machli
MaidaPlain White Flour
Maida with rainsing agents added to itSelf raising flour
MaizeBhutta dana
MangoAam
Mango FishTopsi or Topshey
Margosa tree (Azadirachta Indica)Neem
MarjoramBan or Van Tulsi
MarzipanBadam and Sugar paste
MashBharta or Bhurta
MashBhurta or Bharta
Meat (generic)Gosht
Melon - generic, like Honeydew, CanteloupeKharbooja
MilkDoodh
MilletBajri
Millet or Pearl MilletBajra
Mince Meat CurryQueema
Minced meat curryKheema
Minced meat curryKeema or Kheema or Queema
MintPudina
Monkey nutsMoongphali
Monosodium GlutamateAjinomoto
MooliWhite radish, long ones
Moth Beans, Matki, Muth, Mot, Turkish Gram Beans, Papillon, Dew beanMoth Dal
MouldSancha
MulberryShehtoot
MulberryShahtoot
Mullet FishBoi or Parshey or Andawari Machli
Mung Beans or Moong Beans or Green gram or , wholeMoong dal , Sabut
Murrel FishShole machli
MushroomKukur-mutta or Guchchi or Khumbi or Dhool ka Phool
MushroomsKhumbi
MustardSarson
Mustard oilSarson ka Tael
Mustard seedsRaai or Rai or Sarson
Natal plumKaronda
Nigella or Onion seedsKalonji
Nigella or Onion seedsKalaunji
Night Shade-IndianKateri or Kantakari
Nimbu ka chilkaLemon Rind
Nimbu or NeembuLemon
NutmegZaiphal
NutmegJaiphal
Nux VomicaKuchla
OatJow or Jau or Jai or Jaun
OatJow or Jau or Jai or Jaun
OilTel
OkraBhindi
OliveZetoon or zaitun
OlivesJaitun
OnionPyaz
OnionPiaz
OrangeNarangi
OrangeSantara
Orange (Indian), like satsuma/tangereineSantra or Shantra
Papadom or Papodom or Popodom or PopodumPapad or Papar
PapayaPapita or Papeeta
Paper thin, large rotiRoomali roti (roomal=handkerchief)
PartridgeTeetar
PartridgeTitar
PeachAadu/Aadoo/Adoo/Aaru
PeanutsMoongphali
PearNashpati
Peel or Rind or Skin (generic)Chilka
Peepul TreePipal or Peepal
Perch FishPalu Machli
Pestle and Mortar, often made of cast ironHamam Dasta or Hamam Bista
PickleAchar or Aachar
PigeaonKabutar
Pigeon PeasTur or Toor or Arhar, Sabut
Pigeon-peas or Split Red Gram (can also be oily)Tur dal
Pigeon-peas or Split Red Gram (can also be oily)Toor dal
Pigeon-peas or Split Red Gram (can also be oily)Tuvar Dal
Pigeon-peas or Split Red Gram (often called yellow lentil)Arhar Dal
Pilaf or Pilaff rice; rice cooked with spices and other ingredientsPulao rice (generic)
Pine KernelChilgoza
PineappleAnnanas
PineappleAnanas or Annanas
PistachiPishta
PistachioPista
Plain, white flour (all purpose flour in USA)Maida
PlumAloobukhara or Alubukhara
PomegranateAnar or Anaar
Pomfret or Silver FishHalva Saranga Chandwa Poplait Paplet Poplet
Poppy seedsKhus Khus/Kus Kus
Poppy seedsPost dana
Poppy seedsKhas khas
PorkSooar or suar
PotatoAloo or Aaloo or Alu
PrawnJhinga or Chingri or Chemen or Sungat
Puffed Kernel of Gorgon Nut or Fox Nut (not Lotus seed)Makhana
Puffed basmati riceMamra
Puffed riceMurmura
PulpGooda
Pulse or lentilDhal
Pulse or lentil; legume, beans, peas etc.Dal or Dhal or Dahl
PumpkinKaddu
Purslane, Verdolaga, Little Hogweed, PusleyKulfa or Khurfa Saag
Puy (Green) LentilBrown or green lentils grown in Le Puy-South-Central France
QuailBataer or Bater
RadishMooli
Radish seed podsSeengre or moongre
Raisin, generic term for dried grape. Also used to describe dark brown, dried grapes, with a sweet, mellow flavourKishmish or Kismis (generic term)
Raw or uncookedKachcha
Red chilliLal mirch
Red Cow PeasLike whole Mung beans, but red
Red lentils, Split and skinlessMasoor Dal Dhuli
Red Snapper FishRane machli
Red SorrelChukka Leaves
Rice (generic)Chawal or Chaval
Rice flakes or flattened ricePauwa
Rice flakes or flattened ricePoha
Ridge gourdTori, Indian
Ridged gourd (Zuchini like vegetable or courgette)Turai or Tori
Ridged or smooth Indian gourd (Indian Courgette)Tori or Turai
RindChilka stripes
Rock CodGobaro
Rock Cod (Lotella rhacina)Gobaro
Rolling boardChakla
Rolling PinBelan
RoseGulab
RoseGulab
Rose waterGulab jal
SafflowerKusam or Kusumbo
SaffronKesar or Zafran
Saffron ColouredKesari or Zafrani
Sage herb (Salvia officinalis)Seesti or Salbia-Sefakuss or Sefakuss
Sago, produced from pith of Metroxylon and other palmsSabudana
Salmon FishRawas or ravas machli
SaltNamak
SaltNimak
Salty or SavouryNamkeen
Sapodilla Plum or SapotaChickoo
Sapodilla Plum or SapotaCheekoo or Chikoos
Sardine (Fish)Chareeaddee or Pedvey Machli
SawfishKandere Machli
Screwpine flower essence (pendanus odoratissimus)Kewra
SemolinaRawa
SemolinaSooji or Suji or Rava
SesameTil
Shad fish or Ilisha or HilsaHilsa
SharkBoalee or Zori or Bombil or Bumallo
SieveChalni or chhalni
Silver barfish Karli
Silver belly Fish Surgutta Machli
Silver Belly FishSurgutta Machli
Silver leaf - edibleVarak - Chandi
SkewerSeekh
Skimmer, a spatula with holesPauni
Small balls in syrup, made of flour and milk powder/mawaGulab jaman/jamun
Small spoonChamchi
Snake GourdChichinda
Snake gourdChachinda, Chirchira
Snake head fishMurrai Machli
Snap MelonPhoot
Soda bicarbPakaney wala soda
Sole fishMorrul or Repti Machli
SorghumJwar or Jowar
Sorghum or ShorghumJowar or Jwar
SorrelKhatta-palak Khatta-saag Chukka-kura Ambat-chuka
Sorrel, RedChukka Sag
Soup or stock or gravyYakhini
Soup, gravyShorba
Sour or sharpKhatta
South Indian Vegetable CurryAvial
Soya beanBhatma
Spice BoxMasaladan or masaladani
Spiced minced meat , cooked on a skewersSheek or seekh kebab
SpinachPalak
Split Peas or Yellow split peas (Field Pea)Matar or Mutter Dal
Split, skinless black chickpeas or Bengal GramChana dal (Kala Chana dal)
Spring onion with greensHara piaz
Spring onions with greensHari Pyaz
Sproute or sproutedAnkur or ankurit
SquidSamudra-pheni (or feni)
StaleBasi
Star AniseChakri-phool or chakraphool
Star AniseAnas phal
Star fruit, CarombolaKamrak or Kumrak
Starfruit or CarambolaKamrakh
Stir-friedBhuna
Stir-Fry (it)Bhoono or Bhunao
Stir-fryingBhunao
Stone apple, Bengal quince, Wood appleBael, Bel, Bail, Shriphal
Stone Grinding Mill (for wheat, dal, spices etc.)Chakki
StuffedBhare or bharua
SugarCheeni or Chini
SugarShakkar
Sugar caneGanna
Sugar SyrupChashni or Chasni or Sheera
Sultana, Very sweet, large, pale/gold/amber raisins, made from seedless white grapesKishmish or Kismis, Sunahri or Peeli, Badi
SunflowerSooraj-mukhi
Sweet LimeMausammi
Sweet potatoesShakarkand
TamarindImli
Tapioca, produced from the cassavaSabudana
TeaChai or Chaa
Tempering (Tarka) with cumin/mustard etc. in hot oilDhungar or tarka
ThymeHasha
Thymol flowersAjwain ke Phool
TomatoTamatar
TongsChimta
TrotterPaaya
Tuna FishChura or Choora or Toona machli
Turbot - Indian (Fish)Kuppa machli
TurmericHaldi or Huldi
TurnipShalgam
TurtleKachua
Vegetable (generic)Sabzi
Vegetable (generic)Sabji
VegetarianShaka-hari
venisonHiran
VermicelliSeviyan
VinegarSirka
WalnutAkhrot, Akroot
WaterPani
Water chestnutsSinghara
Water-melonTarbooja
WatercressJal-Kumbhi, Jal-halim
WatermelonTarbooja
Wax Gourd, Ash Gourd, Tallow Gourd, Ash PumpkinPetha
Weighing scalesTaraju
WheatGehun
Wheat flourGehun ka atta
Wheat GermExact translation \'Gehun ka Ankur\'; wheat means gehun and germ means ankur. Germ as in germination, not bacteria. ‘Dalia’ or cracked wheat comes closest to it in Hindi.
WhiteSafed
White bait (Fish)Katai Machli
White gram or chickpeaKabuli chana
White pepperSafed mirch
WholeSabut
With yoghurtDahi wala
WokKadhai
Yam - ordinaryRatalu
YeastKhameer
Yellow GramChana dal
YoghurtDahi

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