Cooking on a slow boil (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: STEWING
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Cooking on a Slow Boil
- Cooking on a slow boil is a culinary crossword clue that points to STEWING, a gentle cooking method where food simmers in liquid at low temperatures.
- This 7-letter answer perfectly captures the essence of slow, moist-heat cooking that transforms tough ingredients into tender, flavorful dishes.
Related Cooking Terms and Crossword Answers
- Understanding similar cooking methods helps solve related crossword clues. Braising involves browning food first, then slow-cooking in liquid—often confused with stewing.
- Simmering describes the gentle bubble state perfect for stewing. Poaching uses even lower temperatures without browning.
- These cooking techniques share the common thread of moist-heat application, making them popular crossword answer choices when clues reference gentle, slow cooking processes.
Quick Tips for Solving Cooking-Related Crossword Clues
- Match the letter count first - With 7 letters required, eliminate shorter alternatives like "simmer" or longer ones like "slow-cooking"
- Consider the cooking action - "Slow boil" specifically indicates sustained gentle heat, not brief cooking methods
- Think about common crossword words - STEWING appears frequently in puzzles because it's a familiar cooking term with useful letter combinations
- Look for definition clues - When the clue directly describes a cooking method, the answer is typically the technical culinary term
- Cross-reference with intersecting answers - Use letters from other solved clues to confirm STEWING fits perfectly
Cooking on a slow boil (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between stewing and boiling?
Stewing uses lower temperatures (160-180°F) than boiling (212°F), creating a gentle simmer rather than vigorous bubbles. This slower process prevents food from becoming tough or breaking apart while developing richer flavors.
Q: Why is STEWING a common crossword answer?
The word STEWING offers puzzle constructors a useful 7-letter word with common letters (S, T, E, W, I, N, G) that creates multiple crossing opportunities. Its culinary familiarity makes it accessible to most solvers.
Q: Can "cooking on a slow boil" mean anything else?
While STEWING is the primary answer for this clue, solvers might initially consider "simmering" (9 letters, too long). The 7-letter constraint makes STEWING the definitive solution.
Q: What are the best ingredients for stewing?
Tough, collagen-rich meats like beef chuck, pork shoulder, and lamb shanks excel in stews. Root vegetables—carrots, potatoes, turnips—also benefit from slow cooking, absorbing flavors while maintaining structure.
Q: How does stewing preserve nutrients?
The enclosed cooking environment retains water-soluble vitamins and minerals that might otherwise escape. The cooking liquid becomes nutrient-rich, especially when consumed as part of the finished dish.
