What is defined as any one of the individual food items needed to make a recipe?

The term that refers to any one of the individual food items needed to make a recipe is "Ingredient." In culinary terminology, an ingredient is any substance that is used in the preparation of a dish. This includes not just the main components like meats or vegetables but also spices, herbs, and other elements that contribute to the final flavor and texture of the dish. Each ingredient plays a specific role in cooking, such as providing flavor, texture, or nutritional value.

While other terms like "main ingredient" and "component" can be associated with recipes, they carry different nuances. "Main ingredient" typically refers to the primary element of a dish, while "component" might imply a part of a larger whole. "Element," on the other hand, is a broader term and is less commonly used in culinary contexts to describe food items within a recipe. Thus, "Ingredient" is the most accurate term for individual food items used in recipes.