Zucchini is a variety of summer squash commonly used in Italian cooking. Some recipes actually refer to it as "Italian squash." However, other varieties of summer squash are sometimes called Italian squash as well.
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Fish sauce is a condiment made from fermented fish that is commonly used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. It is salty like soy sauce, but has a more complex flavor. Stir fries with fish sauce should be seasoned with herbs and flavorings characteristic of Southeast Asian cuisine, such as Thai basil, cilantro and lime.
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Pinto beans have countless culinary uses as well as a range of nutritional benefits. According to Martha Archuleta of New Mexico State University, 1 cup of pinto beans contains 1/4 of the USDA's recommended daily protein intake. Pintos are also an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin.
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Bulgur, a precooked, dried grain product, is made from cracked wheat. It is a staple in Middle Eastern cooking, and is traditionally used as a base for tabbouleh salad.
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Cumin -- from a plant that is indigenous to the Mediterranean -- brings the musky edge to curries and deepens the flavor of chili. Its seeds are sometimes used whole, but more commonly they are ground into powder. Whole cumin provides intense bursts of flavor when you bite into the individual seeds.
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You can cook two things in the oven at the same time as long as they cook at the same temperature or you pay close attention. Oven temperatures are set to achieve dual objectives: heating food all the way through so it is appealing and safe, and achieving effects such as drying and crisping.
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