Adapting a Recipe When an Ingredient Is Missing | Learn Dutch in English

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Use Adapting a Recipe When an Ingredient Is Missing to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Het recept heeft verse basilicum nodig, maar we hebben alleen gedroogde kruiden.

ut reh-SEPT hayft VAIR-suh bah-zee-LEE-koom NOH-dikh, mahr vuh HEB-un ah-LEEN khuh-DROHK-duh KROY-dun. The recipe needs fresh basil, but we only have dried herbs.

We kunnen het toch maken; de smaak zal alleen een beetje anders zijn.

vuh KUN-un ut TOKH MAH-kun; duh SMAHK zahl ah-LEEN uh BAYT-yuh AHN-durs zain. We can still make it; the flavor will just be a little different.

Zullen we de gedroogde kruiden eerder toevoegen, zodat ze zacht worden in de saus?

ZOO-lun vuh duh khuh-DROHK-duh KROY-dun AIR-dur TOO-voh-khun, ZOH-daht zuh ZAHKHT VOHR-dun in duh SOWSS? Should we add the dried herbs earlier so they soften in the sauce?

Voeg ze eerder toe en gebruik er minder van, omdat gedroogde kruiden sterker kunnen smaken.

VOOKH zuh AIR-dur TOO en khuh-BRYK air MEN-dur vahn, om-DAHT khuh-DROHK-duh KROY-dun STAIR-kur KUN-un SMAH-kun. Add them earlier and use less, because dried herbs can taste stronger.

In het recept staat ook dat we room moeten gebruiken voor een gladde textuur.

in ut reh-SEPT STAHT ohk daht vuh ROHM MOY-tun khuh-BRY-kun vohr un KHLAH-duh teks-TUUR. The recipe also says to use cream for a smooth texture.

Als we in plaats daarvan yoghurt gebruiken, moeten we het vuur lager zetten.

AHLSS vuh in PLAHTSS dah-VAHN YOH-khurt khuh-BRY-kun, MOY-tun vuh ut VYOOR LAH-kur ZET-un. If we use yogurt instead, we should lower the heat.

Anders kan de saus schiften en er vreemd uitzien.

AHN-durs kahn duh SOWSS SKHIF-tun en air VRAYMT OWT-zain. Otherwise the sauce might separate and look strange.

Als we het tegen het einde langzaam erdoor roeren, zou dat moeten helpen.

AHLSS vuh ut TAY-khun ut AYN-duh LAHNG-zahm air-DOHR ROHR-un, ZOW daht MOY-tun HELP-un. Stirring it in slowly near the end should help.

Als het goed uitpakt, schrijf ik de vervanging op.

AHLSS ut KHOOT OWT-pahkt, SKHRAYF ik duh vur-VAHNG-ing OP. If the result turns out well, I will write down the substitution.

Dan hoeven we de volgende keer niet te gokken.

DAHN HOO-vun vuh duh VOHL-khun-duh KAIR NEET tuh KHOK-un. Then next time we will not need to guess.

Word by Word

Het “Het” means “the” before “recept” in “Het recept”. It identifies the specific recipe being discussed. A common reuse point is the article before a noun such as “Het recept”.

recept “recept” means “recipe” in “Het recept”. Here it refers to the written cooking instructions that require basil. You can use it when discussing what a recipe says or needs.

heeft “heeft” means “has” in “Het recept heeft verse basilicum nodig”. Together with “nodig”, the phrase says that the recipe needs fresh basil. The form “heeft” is used with the singular subject “Het recept”.

verse “verse” means “fresh” in “verse basilicum”. It describes the basil as not dried. It comes directly before the ingredient it describes.

basilicum “basilicum” means “basil”, the herb named as an ingredient in the recipe. In “verse basilicum”, it is the ingredient that is needed. You can use it when naming basil in a list of ingredients.

nodig “nodig” means “needed” in “heeft verse basilicum nodig”. The full expression “heeft verse basilicum nodig” says that the recipe requires fresh basil. This word commonly appears with “hebben” or “heeft” when stating a need.

maar “maar” means “but” and introduces a contrast between needing fresh basil and having only dried herbs. It connects the two parts of “Het recept heeft verse basilicum nodig, maar we hebben alleen gedroogde kruiden.” Use it to contrast two facts or options.

we “we” means “we” and refers to the two adults preparing the recipe. It is the subject of “we hebben” and “we kunnen”. It is commonly used before the verb in these sentences.

hebben “hebben” means “have” in “we hebben alleen gedroogde kruiden”. Here it describes what ingredients are available. The form follows the subject “we”.

alleen “alleen” means “only” and limits what is available in “we hebben alleen gedroogde kruiden”. It shows that they have dried herbs but no fresh basil. It can be placed before the limited item or group.

gedroogde “gedroogde” means “dried” in “gedroogde kruiden”. It describes the herbs as preserved by drying rather than fresh. It appears before “kruiden” because it describes that noun.

kruiden “kruiden” means “herbs” in “gedroogde kruiden”. These are the dried herbs available as a substitute for fresh basil. The word is used here for herbs as an ingredient.

kunnen “kunnen” means “can” in “We kunnen het toch maken”. It expresses that making the dish is still possible. It is followed by the infinitive “maken” in this sentence.

toch “toch” means “still” or “nevertheless” in “We kunnen het toch maken”. It shows that the dish can be made despite the missing fresh basil. It is useful when presenting a possibility that remains after a problem or objection.

maken “maken” means “make” or, here, “prepare” in “We kunnen het toch maken”. It refers to preparing the recipe or dish. It appears after “kunnen” as the action that remains possible.

de “de” means “the” before “smaak” in “de smaak”. It identifies the flavor of the dish being prepared. It is the definite article used in this noun phrase.

smaak “smaak” means “flavor” or “taste” in “de smaak zal alleen een beetje anders zijn”. It refers to how the finished dish tastes. You can use it when comparing the taste of foods or drinks.

zal “zal” expresses “will” in “de smaak zal alleen een beetje anders zijn”. It presents the expected future result of using dried herbs. Here it is followed by “zijn” at the end of the clause.

een “een” means “a” in “een beetje”. Together, “een beetje anders” means “a little different”. It introduces the small amount expressed by “beetje”.

beetje “beetje” means “little” or “bit” in “een beetje anders”. The phrase indicates that the flavor will differ only slightly. “Een beetje” can be used before an adjective to soften its degree.

anders Lowercase “anders” means “different” in “een beetje anders zijn”, while sentence-initial “Anders” means “otherwise” in “Anders kan de saus schiften”. In the first use it describes a changed flavor; in the second it introduces a possible consequence. The meaning depends on the surrounding construction.

zijn “zijn” means “be” in “de smaak zal alleen een beetje anders zijn”. It links the flavor with the description “een beetje anders”. It appears after “zal” in this future statement.

Zullen “Zullen” means “shall” or “should we” in the suggestion “Zullen we de gedroogde kruiden eerder toevoegen”. It introduces a proposal for a joint action. “Zullen we” is useful when asking whether to do something together.

eerder “eerder” means “earlier” in “eerder toevoegen”. It says that the dried herbs should be added earlier in the cooking process. It can be used to compare a time with a later point.

toevoegen “toevoegen” means “add” in “Zullen we de gedroogde kruiden eerder toevoegen”. It refers to putting the dried herbs into the sauce earlier. It is the infinitive used after “Zullen we” in this question.

zodat “zodat” means “so that” and introduces the intended result in “zodat ze zacht worden in de saus”. The herbs are added earlier so they can become soft in the sauce. It connects an action with its purpose or result.

ze “ze” means “they” in “zodat ze zacht worden”. It refers back to “de gedroogde kruiden”. It is used here as the subject of the clause describing what happens to the herbs.

zacht “zacht” means “soft” in “zacht worden”. It describes the desired texture of the dried herbs after they have been in the sauce. Together with “worden”, it expresses becoming soft.

worden “worden” means “become” in “zacht worden”. It describes a change in the herbs’ condition as they soften in the sauce. It follows the adjective “zacht” in this expression.

in “in” means “in” in “in de saus” and “In het recept”. It marks being inside the sauce or within the recipe’s instructions. It also appears in the fixed phrase “in plaats daarvan”, where the whole phrase means “instead”.

saus “saus” means “sauce” in “in de saus”. It is the liquid part of the dish in which the herbs soften and which might separate. You can use it when describing how a sauce is prepared or changed.

Voeg “Voeg” means “add” as a direct instruction in “Voeg ze eerder toe”. Together with “toe”, it forms the command to add the herbs earlier. This form is used when giving a cooking instruction directly.

toe “toe” completes the meaning of adding in “Voeg ze eerder toe”. The full expression “Voeg ze eerder toe” means “Add them earlier”. It appears after the object “ze” in this instruction.

en “en” means “and” in “Voeg ze eerder toe en gebruik er minder van”. It joins two instructions: adding the herbs earlier and using less of them. It is used to connect actions or statements.

gebruik “gebruik” means “use” as an instruction in “gebruik er minder van”. The complete phrase tells the cook to use less of the herbs. It is followed here by the quantity expression “er minder van”.

er “er” refers to some of the herbs in “gebruik er minder van”. With “minder van”, it helps express a smaller amount of something already understood. The full phrase means “use less of them” here.

minder “minder” means “less” in “gebruik er minder van”. It reduces the amount of dried herbs to use. It commonly combines with “van” when specifying less of something.

van “van” means “of” in “er minder van”. It connects the quantity “minder” with the herbs being measured. The full phrase expresses “less of them” rather than a separate location.

omdat “omdat” means “because” and introduces the reason in “omdat gedroogde kruiden sterker kunnen smaken”. The reason for using less is that dried herbs can taste stronger. It connects an explanation to the preceding advice.

sterker “sterker” means “stronger” in “sterker kunnen smaken”. It compares the intensity of the taste of dried herbs with the expected taste of the fresh herb. It modifies the way the herbs taste.

smaken “smaken” means “taste” in “gedroogde kruiden sterker kunnen smaken”. It describes the flavor that the herbs give. It appears after “kunnen” as the action or quality that is possible.

staat “staat” means “says” or “states” in “In het recept staat ook dat”. It refers to information written in the recipe rather than to someone speaking. A common pattern is using it when a written instruction contains information.

ook “ook” means “also” in “In het recept staat ook dat”. It adds another instruction from the recipe after the earlier information about basil. It is used to add a further fact or requirement.

dat “dat” means “that” in “staat ook dat we room moeten gebruiken”. It introduces the content of what the recipe says. It links “staat” with the instruction that follows.

room “room” means “cream” in “we room moeten gebruiken”. It is the ingredient recommended for a smooth texture. You can use it when naming cream as part of a recipe.

moeten “moeten” means “must” or “need to” in “we room moeten gebruiken”. It expresses the instruction given by the recipe. It is followed by the infinitive “gebruiken”.

gebruiken “gebruiken” means “use” in “room moeten gebruiken”. It refers to adding cream as the chosen ingredient for the texture. It appears after the modal verb “moeten”.

voor “voor” means “for” in “voor een gladde textuur”. It introduces the intended purpose of using cream. Here the purpose is achieving a smooth texture.

gladde “gladde” means “smooth” in “een gladde textuur”. It describes the desired feel or consistency of the sauce. It appears before the noun “textuur”.

textuur “textuur” means “texture” in “een gladde textuur”. It refers to the consistency or mouthfeel the cream is meant to produce. You can use it when describing how food feels or looks in consistency.

Als “Als” means “if” in “Als we in plaats daarvan yoghurt gebruiken” and “Als het goed uitpakt”. It introduces a condition for a possible action or result. It is placed at the beginning of both conditional clauses here.

plaats “plaats” means “place” in the phrase “in plaats daarvan”. In that complete expression, it contributes to the meaning “instead”. The phrase is used when replacing one option with another.

daarvan “daarvan” means “of that” in “in plaats daarvan”. Together, “in plaats daarvan” means “instead” and refers back to using cream. It is useful when choosing an alternative to something already mentioned.

yoghurt “yoghurt” means “yogurt” in “yoghurt gebruiken”. It is the alternative ingredient to cream. You can use it when naming yogurt in a recipe or cooking substitution.

vuur “vuur” means “heat” or “flame” in “het vuur lager zetten”. Here it refers to the cooking heat under the sauce. The phrase describes reducing the heat while using yogurt.

lager “lager” means “lower” in “het vuur lager zetten”. It describes reducing the cooking heat. Together with “zetten”, it forms the instruction to turn the heat down.

zetten “zetten” means “set” or “put” in “het vuur lager zetten”. With “lager”, the full phrase means “lower the heat” or “turn the heat down”. It appears as an infinitive after “moeten”.

kan “kan” means “can” or “might” in “kan de saus schiften”. It expresses a possible consequence if the heat is not lowered. It is followed by the infinitive “schiften”.

schiften “schiften” means “separate” or “curdle” when describing a sauce in “de saus schiften”. It refers to the sauce breaking into separate parts. This cooking use is different from simply stirring a sauce.

vreemd “vreemd” means “strange” in “er vreemd uitzien”. It describes the sauce’s unusual appearance if it separates. It appears between “er” and “uitzien” in this expression.

uitzien “uitzien” means “look” or “appear” in “er vreemd uitzien”. The full expression describes how something appears, here saying that the sauce may look strange. It is used with an adjective describing the appearance.

tegen “tegen” means “toward” or “by” in “tegen het einde”. Here it places the stirring close to the end of the cooking process. It is followed by the time expression “het einde”.

einde “einde” means “end” in “tegen het einde”. It refers to the final part of preparing the sauce. The phrase “tegen het einde” means near the end.

langzaam “langzaam” means “slowly” in “langzaam erdoor roeren”. It describes the careful speed of stirring the ingredient into the sauce. It is used here to modify “roeren”.

erdoor “erdoor” means “through it” or “into it” in “er langzaam door roeren”. Here it refers to stirring the ingredient into the sauce. It keeps the already understood ingredient from being repeated.

roeren “roeren” means “stir” in “erdoor roeren”. It describes mixing the ingredient slowly into the sauce near the end. It appears after “Als we” as the action in the conditional clause.

zou “zou” means “would” or “should” in “zou dat moeten helpen”. It presents the suggested method as something expected to help rather than as a certainty. The full expression combines it with “moeten helpen”.

helpen “helpen” means “help” in “zou dat moeten helpen”. It describes the expected effect of stirring the sauce slowly. It appears after “moeten” as an infinitive.

goed “goed” means “well” in “Als het goed uitpakt”. Together with “uitpakt”, it describes a favorable result. This expression is used when evaluating how an attempt or plan turns out.

uitpakt “uitpakt” means “turns out” in “Als het goed uitpakt”. The expression “goed uitpakt” means “turns out well” and refers to the result of the substitution. It is used here in a condition about the finished dish.

schrijf “schrijf” means “write” in “schrijf ik de vervanging op”. Together with “op”, it means “write down”. It is the verb used for recording the successful substitution.

ik “ik” means “I” in “schrijf ik de vervanging op”. It identifies the speaker as the person who will record the substitution. It is the subject of “schrijf”.

vervanging “vervanging” means “substitution” or “replacement” in “de vervanging”. It refers to replacing fresh basil or cream with an alternative ingredient. Here it is the information the speaker plans to write down.

op “op” completes the meaning of writing down in “schrijf ik de vervanging op”. The full expression says that the substitution will be recorded. It appears after the object in this sentence.

Dan “Dan” means “then” in “Dan hoeven we de volgende keer niet te gokken”. It introduces the consequence of writing down the substitution. It links the result to the condition described in the previous line.

hoeven “hoeven” means “need to” in the negative expression “hoeven we de volgende keer niet te gokken”. With “niet”, it says that guessing will not be necessary. This construction is commonly followed by “te” and an infinitive.

volgende “volgende” means “next” in “de volgende keer”. It identifies the occasion after the current cooking attempt. The phrase is used to refer to the next time something happens.

keer “keer” means “time” or “occasion” in “de volgende keer”. Together, “de volgende keer” means “next time”. It refers here to preparing the recipe again.

niet “niet” means “not” in “niet te gokken”. With “hoeven”, it makes the meaning “not need to guess”. It negates the need for the action rather than saying that guessing is impossible.

te “te” marks the infinitive in “te gokken” after “hoeven”. It links the need expressed by “hoeven” to the action of guessing. The complete construction “hoeven ... niet te gokken” means “do not need to guess”.

gokken “gokken” means “guess” in “niet te gokken”. It refers to choosing an amount or method without reliable written guidance. Here the speakers expect the recorded substitution to make guessing unnecessary.

Grammar Points

erdoor roeren → roer ... erdoor

Roer de gedroogde kruiden erdoor.

ROOR duh khuh-DROHK-duh KROY-den air-DOHR.

Stir the dried herbs in.

Dit is een scheidbaar werkwoord: erdoor staat achteraan in de zin.

in plaats daarvan

Gebruik yoghurt in plaats daarvan.

khuh-BRYK YOH-khurt in PLAHTSS dah-VAHN.

Use yogurt instead.

Deze vaste uitdrukking betekent ‘instead’ en staat vaak aan het begin of einde van de zin.

Dutch Vocabulary

anders adj

AHN-durs different; otherwise

de smaak zal alleen een beetje anders zijn

basilicum noun

bah-zee-LEE-koom basil

verse basilicum

eerder adv

AIR-dur earlier

Voeg ze eerder toe.

gedroogde adj

khuh-DROHK-duh dried

gedroogde kruiden

kruiden noun

KROY-dun herbs

gedroogde kruiden

nodig adj

NOH-dikh needed

heeft verse basilicum nodig

recept noun

reh-SEPT recipe

Het recept heeft verse basilicum nodig.

smaak noun

SMAHK flavor; taste

de smaak zal alleen een beetje anders zijn

toch adv

TOKH still; nevertheless

We kunnen het toch maken.

toevoegen verb

TOO-voo-khun to add

de gedroogde kruiden eerder toevoegen

verse adj

VAIR-suh fresh

verse basilicum

zacht worden phrase

ZAHKHT VOHR-dun to soften

zodat ze zacht worden in de saus

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

still; nevertheless

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toch

basil

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basilicum

dried

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gedroogde

flavor; taste

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smaak