Salt, fat, acid or heat, e.g. NYT Crossword Clue
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The New York Times Mini Crossword clue “Salt, fat, acid or heat, e.g.” has the answer “NOUN.”
In English grammar, a noun is a part of speech that denotes a person, place, thing, or idea. In this context, “salt,” “fat,” “acid,” and “heat” are all nouns because they represent tangible substances or concepts.
This clue also references “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat,” a renowned cookbook by chef and author Samin Nosrat. The book, published in 2017, explores the four fundamental elements she identifies as essential to successful cooking:
- Salt: Enhances flavor by amplifying ingredients’ natural tastes.
- Fat: Contributes richness and texture, and serves as a medium for flavor.
- Acid: Balances flavors and adds brightness to dishes.
- Heat: Determines the texture and doneness of food through cooking methods.
Nosrat’s approach emphasizes understanding these elements to improve culinary skills, rather than relying solely on recipes. Her work has been influential in both professional and home cooking circles, encouraging cooks to develop intuition in the kitchen.
The book’s success led to a Netflix series of the same name, further popularizing Nosrat’s philosophy. Each episode focuses on one of the four elements, showcasing their application in various cuisines around the world.
In summary, the crossword clue points to the grammatical classification of “salt,” “fat,” “acid,” and “heat” as nouns, while also alluding to Samin Nosrat’s influential work that highlights these elements as the pillars of cooking.