picos suaves
/pikos swabes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "soft peaks" is translated into Spanish as picos suaves.
This phrase refers to a stage in cooking, specifically when whipped cream or egg whites have been beaten until they hold a soft shape but the tips curl over.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase Montar a Punto Blando is used to mean "whisk until soft".
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is pico suave.
Did you know?
- The culinary process of whipping cream is called montar, which is the same verb used for riding a horse.
- In certain South American countries, you might hear someone say they are beating the mixture a punto de letra or 'to the letter point', meaning it is thick enough to leave a visible mark or trace.
- If you are following a recipe in Mexico, you might see the instruction a punto de nieve instead of mentioning peaks, referring to the white, snowy appearance of the egg whites.
Examples in context
- Bate las claras hasta que tengan picos suaves.Beat the egg whites until they have soft peaks.
Example conversation
Javier and María are making a meringue in the kitchen.
- Javier¿Cómo debo batir la crema, María?How should I whip the cream, María?
- MaríaBátela hasta que veas picos suaves.Whip it until you see soft peaks.
- JavierYa tiene picos suaves, ¿está listo?It has soft peaks now, is it ready?
- MaríaSí, Javier, está perfecta.Yes, Javier, it is perfect.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
