Mashing: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฅ
mashing
[หmรฆสษชล ]
Definition
cooking
The action of crushing or smashing something to a pulp or a powder.
Synonyms
crush, grind, pulverize, squash.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
crush |
Can be used in both literal and figurative senses. Literally to break something into pieces by pressing it hard. Figuratively to describe overcoming or defeating someone or something.
|
pulverize |
A more intense form of grinding or crushing, often used to describe turning something into a fine powder. It can also have a metaphorical use to imply complete destruction.
|
grind |
Often used to describe the process of breaking something into very small pieces or a powder, usually in the context of spices, coffee, or grains.
|
squash |
Typically used to describe flattening something with force. Can also be used figuratively to describe suppressing something or someone forcefully.
|
Examples of usage
- He was mashing the potatoes for dinner.
- She was mashing the garlic with a mortar and pestle.
- The recipe called for mashing the avocado for the guacamole.
- The chef was mashing the ingredients together to make a smooth puree.
- I enjoy mashing the bananas for my morning smoothie.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Techniques
- Mashing is commonly used in making mashed potatoes, which are fluffy and often served as a side dish.
- Different tools, such as a fork or a potato masher, can be used for mashing, impacting the final texture.
- Innovative chefs might use flavored oils or spices in their mashing process to add variety and taste.
Cultural Practices
- In various cultures, different foods are mashed โ for example, in Peru, they enjoy 'causa', which is mashed potatoes mixed with lime and spices.
- African and Caribbean cuisines include dishes such as 'fufu', which involves mashing starchy vegetables to create a dough-like mixture served with soups.
- Mashing is associated with celebratory dishes like mashed avocados for guacamole, making gatherings tastier.
Science of Cooking
- Mashing breaks down the cell walls in food, releasing starches and making the dish creamier.
- The physical act of mashing can affect the flavor release, making the dish taste different based on how much it is mashed.
- Cooking food before mashing it can enhance its sweetness and create a smoother texture.
History
- Historical records show that mashing dates back centuries, with ancient recipes for mashed grains appearing in many cultures.
- Mashing methods and tools have evolved, from simple wooden pestles in ancient times to modern electric mixers.
- Cookbooks from the 19th century often contained elaborate recipes for mashed vegetables, showcasing its longstanding popularity.
Nutrition
- Mashed foods can be easier to digest for people who have difficulty chewing, especially in caregiving settings.
- Mashing can introduce more fiber into diets, especially when including the skins of potatoes and other vegetables.
- Itโs a fun way to include children in cooking, encouraging them to smash their favorite vegetables for a nutritious meal.
Translations
Translations of the word "mashing" in other languages:
๐ต๐น amassamento
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคธเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Zerdrรผcken
๐ฎ๐ฉ menghancurkan
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพะทะผะธะฝะฐะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ gniecenie
๐ฏ๐ต ใคใถใใใจ
๐ซ๐ท รฉcrasement
๐ช๐ธ machacado
๐น๐ท ezme
๐ฐ๐ท ์ผ๊นจ๊ธฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุฑุณ
๐จ๐ฟ maฤkรกnรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ miesenie
๐จ๐ณ ๆฃ็ข
๐ธ๐ฎ meฤkanje
๐ฎ๐ธ mylja
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะตะทั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแญแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ษzilmษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ machacado