Noun.
/soka/
In Spanish, "soca" primarily refers to a type of sauce or gravy made from various ingredients, often used to enhance the flavor of meat dishes in Latin American cuisine. The term can also refer colloquially to something that has been steeped or soaked, like food that’s been marinated in a sauce.
The term "soca" is moderately used in both oral and written contexts, especially in culinary discussions or when talking about traditional recipes in the regions mentioned (American, Bolivia, Ecuador, Central America).
Necesitamos preparar una buena soca para acompañar el pollo.
We need to prepare a good sauce to accompany the chicken.
La soca que hizo mi abuela es la mejor que he probado.
The sauce that my grandmother made is the best I have ever tasted.
No olvides añadir la soca al plato antes de servir.
Don't forget to add the sauce to the dish before serving.
While "soca" may not be commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, it can be a part of certain culinary phrases or regional sayings. Here are a few related expressions, focusing on its meanings:
Poner la soca en la mesa.
(To put the sauce on the table.)
This phrase could mean to present a dish with sauce prominently featured.
No escatimar en la soca.
(Don’t skimp on the sauce.)
This implies using sufficient quantity of sauce to enhance the dish, emphasizing generosity in cooking.
Una soca de amor.
(A sauce of love.)
This metaphorically suggests that love should be the main ingredient in cooking or life experiences, implying that good things require emotional investment.
The word "soca" derives from the Latin "saucina," which is related to "salsa," meaning sauce. It reflects the culinary traditions of bringing flavors together through the use of sauces, which were commonplace in ancient Roman cuisine.
This structure provides a comprehensive look at the word "soca," capturing its usage across different contexts while enriching understanding of its significance in the Spanish language.