A Guide to Boiling and Simmering

Boiling and simmering are simple and fundamental cooking techniques where food is cooked in a liquid at a particular temperature. However, it's not safe to assume that everyone knows the difference between the two. Below is a video from Whole Foods Market, showing the difference between boiling and simmering.

Now that we know the difference between the two, how do we incorporate these techniques into our daily kitchen routine?

It is important to remember that these cooking techniques can help you achieve different results. If you're cooking pasta, vegetables, or certain types of meat, boiling is the recommended method. Heat should be set to medium to high.

Simmering, on the other hand, involves heating a liquid until it reaches a gentle boil and then reducing the heat to maintain a low, steady simmer. This technique is ideal for cooking stews, soups, and sauces.

To incorporate boiling and simmering into your cooking routine, consider the dish you are preparing and determine which technique is best suited for it. Remember to adjust the heat accordingly and keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking.