What You Need to Know
During simmering, potato starch granules absorb water and swell, forming a viscous network that thickens the sauce. Simultaneously, the dairy proteins in the cheese denature, releasing emulsifying peptides that stabilize the oil–water mixture. Capsaicin, the active heat compound, remains stable at these temperatures, ensuring consistent spiciness.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Starch gelatinization and protein denaturation during simmering