slowly simmer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slowly simmer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of cooking food at a low temperature, allowing flavors to develop over time. Example: "After adding the spices, let the sauce slowly simmer for at least an hour to enhance the flavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The details: Slowly simmer chopped shallots, garlic, salt and pepper in olive oil until they're falling apart.

The New York Times

Another waiter, deeming his pourboire inadequate, will say "Thank," instead of "Thanks," and my friend, sensitive to such shades, will slowly simmer for days.

The New Yorker

Add the tomatoes and slowly simmer for 1-2 horrs or until thickened, add the dried oregano and basil, season with a little sugar, salt and pepper to taste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Demi-glace Simply take your reduced meat stock, add some red wine, toss in some shallots and fresh thyme and a bayleaf and peppercorns, and slowly, slowly simmer it and reduce it again until it coats a spoon.

The Guardian - Books

I slowly simmer until it is all melted together.

Huffington Post

When I read about Betsy DeVos joking that schools should no longer provide free lunch, I began to slowly simmer.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

All around the capital, twelve thousand peat bogs are slowly simmering, sending toxic clouds of carbon-rich smoke into the city.

The New Yorker

3 Put the chocolate in a bowl and sit this above a pan of slowly simmering water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But to my taste, a brisket slowly simmered in beef broth, wine, cider or seasoned water has more complex flavors.

The New York Times - Magazine

But in this warmly appealing if slightly dotty book, Mr. Johnson is far more interested in wit that slowly simmers and mellowly embraces la comédie humaine.

The New York Times - Books

Finely chopped and slowly simmered, this French staple used to be added to everything from beef Wellington to vols-au-vent.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slowly simmer" in a recipe, specify the desired consistency or end result, such as "until the sauce thickens" or "until the flavors meld".

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "slowly simmer" with boiling. Over-simmering can lead to excessive liquid reduction, altering the intended flavor and texture of the dish.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slowly simmer" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a method of cooking. It combines an adverb ("slowly") modifying the verb "simmer", describing the manner in which the action is performed, as validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slowly simmer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase in culinary contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes a cooking method that involves maintaining a gentle heat to develop flavors over time. While primarily found in News & Media sources, its usage spans various contexts including Wiki and Lifestyle, and is considered neutral in tone. When using "slowly simmer", ensure it is not confused with boiling and consider specifying the desired endpoint, like sauce consistency. Semantically related phrases include "gently simmer" or "simmer on low heat".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gently simmer

Replaces "slowly" with "gently", emphasizing the mildness of the simmering.

simmer gently

Inverts the order for a slight variation in emphasis.

lightly simmer

Substitutes "slowly" with "lightly", keeping the emphasis on gentleness.

cook at a low simmer

Specifies the cooking temperature in more detail.

simmer on low heat

Replaces "slowly" with a description of the heat level.

maintain a gentle simmer

Focuses on maintaining a consistent, low simmer.

cook at a bare simmer

Specifies an even lower level of simmering.

braise gently

Uses a related cooking technique with the same gentle application.

simmer at a creeping pace

Replaces "slowly" with a more descriptive phrase indicating the pace of the simmering.

poach gently

Uses a different but similar cooking technique at low temperatures.

FAQs

How do you use "slowly simmer" in a sentence?

You can use "slowly simmer" to describe cooking a sauce or stew at a low temperature, allowing flavors to develop over time. For example: "After adding the herbs, "slowly simmer" the sauce for at least an hour."

What is the difference between "slowly simmer" and boil?

"Slowly simmer" involves cooking at a lower temperature, just below boiling point, to gently cook food and meld flavors. Boiling, on the other hand, involves cooking at a much higher temperature, which can cause food to cook rapidly and unevenly.

What can I say instead of "slowly simmer"?

You can use alternatives like "gently simmer", "simmer on low heat", or "cook at a low simmer" depending on the context.

What dishes typically require you to "slowly simmer" the ingredients?

Dishes that benefit from "slowly simmer" include sauces, stews, stocks, and braised meats. The gentle heat allows flavors to meld and deepen over time, resulting in a richer and more complex dish.