Pince de sal

Definition

A pinch of salt—the unmeasured, intuitive dash of salt that experienced cooks add to taste. It's where art meets science in a tiny hand gesture.

Example Usage

She finished the soup with just a pince de sel and suddenly it came alive.

Origin

French 'pincée' (pinch) + 'de' (of) + 'sel' (salt)

Fun Fact

Professional chefs never measure salt precisely—they 'season to taste' which drives home cooks absolutely nuts.

Source: French culinary language and practice

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