What You Need to Know
During simmering at 80–90 °C, starches from barley or oats gelatinize, increasing viscosity. Protein denaturation is avoided by staying below 100 °C, preventing curdling of dairy or meat. A brief Maillard reaction at 140–165 °C in the final 30 min imparts flavor and color. Slow cooking also breaks down hemicellulose in root vegetables, releasing fermentable sugars.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Starch gelatinization and controlled Maillard browning