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Simmering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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simmering

[หˆsษชmษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

cooking process

Simmering is a cooking technique that involves heating a liquid just below its boiling point. The temperature during simmering typically ranges between 180ยฐF to 205ยฐF (82ยฐC to 96ยฐC). This method allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together without the vigorous bubbling associated with boiling. Itโ€™s often employed for soups, stews, and sauces to enhance their taste. Additionally, simmering retains the nutrients in the food while also helping to tenderize tougher cuts of meat.

Synonyms

braising, cooking gently, stewing.

Examples of usage

  • Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes.
  • Simmer the vegetables until they are tender.
  • The soup should be simmering slowly on the stove.
  • You can simmer the meat for a few hours for better flavor.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Culinary Techniques

  • This method allows flavors to develop more deeply compared to boiling, where food can lose taste.
  • Commonly used in soups, sauces, and stews, simmering helps tenderize ingredients over time.
  • The temperature for simmering is usually around 180 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (82 to 96 degrees Celsius).

Chemistry

  • Simmering is a physical change that involves heat transfer through conduction in liquids.
  • At this stage, less volatile compounds in food are preserved, giving robust flavors rather than allowing them to evaporate.
  • The gentle bubbles that occur during simmering create a convection current, evenly distributing heat throughout the liquid.

Cultural Significance

  • Various cultures have traditional simmering dishes, like Italian ragรน or Moroccan tagine, which celebrate flavor through slow cooking.
  • The practice of simmering reflects a communal approach to cooking, often bringing families together around simmering pots of food.
  • In literature, simmering is often used metaphorically to describe situations that are 'brewing' or getting ready to erupt, just like tension in a story.

Literature

  • Writers use 'simmering' to describe emotions or situations that build gradually, similar to tension in a novel.
  • Nineteenth-century writers often likened simmering passions to slow-burning feelings that eventually lead to a climax in the plot.
  • In poetry, simmering imagery evokes a sense of anticipation or the calming of chaos into resolution, much like cooking aromas in a kitchen.

Origin of 'simmering'

The term 'simmer' derives from the Middle English word 'simmeren', which in turn originated from the Old English 'simerian', meaning to simmer or to be liquid. The roots of the word are traced back to the Proto-Germanic 'sฤซmerz', reflecting a sense of calmness and moderation in cooking. As culinary techniques evolved, simmering became a fundamental method in kitchens, essential for developing rich flavors in food. The historical significance of simmering is tied to ancient cooking practices, where slow cooking was necessary for both safety and flavor extraction. In this light, simmering is not just a cooking term but a representation of the structured approach to food preparation going back centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,128, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.