marinate
To marinate is the act of submerging ingredients in liquid, entrusting time and seasonings to brainwash their flavors. Like a slow-cooked culinary torture, we force the essence of the ingredient to confess under acid, salt, and herbs. The longer the soak, the deeper the chef's laziness and the ingredient's humiliation. Yet when one tastes the result, every diner bows respectfully to this ritual. In other words, marinating is the ultimate marriage of effort and sloth.