mérfejjel

Mérfejjel is a Hungarian term that translates to "with a measuring cup" or "by cupfuls" in English. It is commonly used in cooking and baking to indicate a quantity of an ingredient that should be measured using a standard measuring cup. This method of measurement is widespread in many recipes, especially those originating from or adapted for home kitchens.

The use of a measuring cup implies a certain level of approximation compared to more precise methods like weighing ingredients. While a measuring cup provides a volumetric measure, the actual mass of an ingredient can vary depending on its density and how it is packed into the cup. For instance, flour can be lightly spooned into a cup or packed down, leading to different weights. Therefore, recipes specifying "mérfejjel" often expect a typical, uncompressed measure unless otherwise stated.

This term is particularly prevalent in traditional Hungarian recipes and in informal cooking contexts. It signifies a practical and accessible approach to ingredient measurement, relying on readily available kitchen tools rather than specialized scales. When encountering "mérfejjel" in a recipe, it's generally understood to mean using a standard volumetric measuring cup, such as those commonly found in kitchenware sets. The exact size of the measuring cup (e.g., 250 ml) might be implied by regional standards or explicitly stated in some recipes.