Simmer: Just Below the Boil, in Cooking and in Temper
To simmer is to cook just under boiling point. The same word describes anger that is held in but not released.
To simmer is to keep a liquid just below boiling, with small bubbles rising slowly. The figurative use is exact rather than loose: a simmering resentment is one held at the point where it could boil over but does not, and the English phrase *simmer down* asks for the heat to be taken off. The word began as *simper*, imitating the sound.
- To cook just below boiling. *Simmer for twenty minutes.*
- Noun, that state. *Bring it to a simmer.*
- Of feelings, to build quietly. *Resentment simmered.*
- Simmer down — calm down. *Simmer down, both of you.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | simmer | Simmer gently. |
| Past | simmered | It simmered all afternoon. |
| Continuous | simmering | A simmering dispute. |
| Noun | simmer | A low simmer. |
| Phrasal | simmer down | Simmer down now. |
- Cover and simmer until the lentils soften.Cooking instruction.
- The row had been simmering for months.Figurative.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer.The standard sequence.
Heat words in the kitchen
- Poach — barely moving, below a simmer
- Simmer — small bubbles, around 85 to 95 degrees Celsius
- Boil — a full rolling motion at 100 degrees at sea level
- Reduce — simmer uncovered to thicken
- Blanch — a very brief plunge into boiling water
An alteration of Middle English *simperen*, of imitative origin. The spelling with -mm- became standard in the 1600s, and the figurative sense followed soon after.
What temperature is a simmer?
Roughly 85 to 95 degrees Celsius. Small bubbles rise steadily but the surface is not rolling.
Where does simmer down come from?
From reducing the heat under a pan. Applied to people, it asks them to lower their temperature.