Spanish Phrase
La receta pide ajo.
Meaning
This phrase uses the verb 'pedir' (to ask/request) to indicate that a specific ingredient is required for a dish. It is the standard way to describe what a recipe dictates or necessitates for the cooking process.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are reading instructions for a meal or discussing ingredients with someone while cooking. It is perfect for grocery shopping or explaining a culinary step.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Larecetapideajo
Pide (Pedir)
The verb 'pedir' usually means 'to ask for' or 'to order,' but in a culinary context, it translates to 'to call for' or 'require.'
La receta
A feminine noun phrase. Note that 'receta' can mean both a cooking recipe and a medical prescription in Spanish.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué ingredientes necesitamos para la salsa?
What ingredients do we need for the sauce?
La receta pide ajo y tomates frescos.
The recipe calls for garlic and fresh tomatoes.
✕Common Mistakes
La receta llama ajo.
Avoid using 'llamar' (to call by name) for recipe requirements; use 'pedir' instead.
La receta pide para ajo.
The verb 'pedir' is transitive and takes the object directly without needing the preposition 'para'.
↔Alternatives
La receta lleva ajo.
The recipe contains/includes garlic.
Se necesita ajo para la receta.
Garlic is needed for the recipe.
Cultural Tip
Garlic is a fundamental pillar of Spanish and Latin American cuisine, often used in a 'sofrito' base. When a recipe 'asks' for garlic in these cultures, it is rarely optional and often involves multiple cloves for depth of flavor.