înmuleti

Înmuleti is a Romanian term that translates to "soaked" or "steeped" in English. It refers to the process of immersing an object, typically food, in a liquid for a period of time. This action is often performed to soften, hydrate, or infuse flavors into the item.

The purpose of înmuleti can vary widely. In culinary contexts, it is commonly used to rehydrate dried ingredients such as beans, lentils, or dried fruits before cooking. This softens them, reduces cooking time, and improves their texture. For example, soaking dried beans overnight is a crucial step to make them tender and digestible. Similarly, certain baked goods like cozonac might be briefly înmuleti in milk or syrup after baking to enhance their moisture and flavor.

Beyond food preparation, the term can also be applied more broadly. A piece of wood might be înmuleti in water to make it more pliable for crafting. In some traditional practices, herbs or medicinal plants are înmuleti in water or other liquids to extract their beneficial properties. The duration of the înmuleti process depends entirely on the material being soaked and the desired outcome, ranging from a few minutes to several hours or even days.