What does prolonged mean in cooking?

In cooking, "prolonged" refers to a cooking time that is longer than usual or necessary. When a recipe calls for prolonged cooking, it usually indicates that the food should be cooked at a low temperature for a longer period of time, as opposed to cooking it at a high temperature for a shorter amount of time.

Recipes may call for prolonged cooking to achieve certain results or to enhance the flavor and texture of certain foods. For instance, braising or stewing meat and vegetables for an extended period of time helps tenderize the meat, develop rich flavors, and create succulent dishes. Slow-cooking methods like simmering or roasting also fall under prolonged cooking techniques.

Prolonged cooking can also be used to preserve food items, such as making jams, jellies, or drying herbs. The term is often used to denote slow cooking, gentle heating, or lengthy simmering processes.