simmer
Cook below boiling
Simmer describes liquid heated just below boiling—hot enough for small bubbles to rise gently but not vigorously.
You simmer a soup or sauce to cook it slowly without breaking it apart.
Figuratively, emotions simmer when they're present but contained: Resentment simmered beneath the surface.
To simmer down is to calm down after agitation.
Slow-simmered meat dish
- braiseSear, then slow-simmer
- poachCook gently submerged
- blanchScald briefly, then cool
- sautéCook quickly in fat
slow-cook · saucepan · pot · burner · hotplate · bubbles · steam · broth
Make smaller in degree
- thickenIncrease in viscosity
- concentrateReduced, potent form
- evaporateTransition to gaseous state
- sauceLiquid food accompaniment
glaze · gravy · demi-glace · stock · broth · caramelize · deglaze · intensify
Boil with quiet rage
- smolderBurn without flame
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- furyIntense violent anger
- rageIntense, violent anger
irritation · bitterness · hostility · indignation · wrath · animosity · frustration · exasperation
Mild persistent worry
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- conflictOpposition between parties
- strifeAngry, prolonged conflict
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
undercurrent · brewing · building · mounting · edginess · apprehension · suspicion · discord
Delay until later
- restraintControl over impulses
- composureEmotional self-control
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- unhurriedTaking one's time
gradual · measured · deliberate · contained · controlled · low-and-slow · percolate
stew
Slow-simmered meat dish
sauté · slow-cook · saucepan · pot · burner · hotplate · bubbles · steam · broth · soup
reduce
Make smaller in degree
- thickenIncrease in viscosity
- concentrateReduced, potent form
- evaporateTransition to gaseous state
sauce · glaze · gravy · demi-glace · stock · broth · caramelize · deglaze · intensify · consistency
seethe
Boil with quiet rage
- smolderBurn without flame
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- furyIntense violent anger
rage · irritation · bitterness · hostility · indignation · wrath · animosity · frustration · exasperation · grudge
unease
Mild persistent worry
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- conflictOpposition between parties
- strifeAngry, prolonged conflict
turmoil · undercurrent · brewing · building · mounting · edginess · apprehension · suspicion · discord · agitation
wait
Delay until later
unhurried · gradual · measured · deliberate · contained · controlled · low-and-slow · percolate
- cooking termsbaste, baking, blanch, braise, roasting
- slow cookingslow cooker, braise, braising, stew, stewing
- cookingbaking, chop, boiling, dice, mince
- heat and fireignite, burn, flame, blaze, combust
- boilingboiling point, rolling boil, rapid boil, hard boil, soft boil
- steamingsteam, vapor, bamboo steamer, steamed vegetables, steamed fish
simmerboil
Heat to bubbling point
rolling boil · rapid boil · sear · high heat · flash fry
- simmer downBecome less agitated
- simmered down
- gentle simmer
- simmering broth