Can a Food Mill be Used to Grind Grains or Nuts?
Food mills are an invaluable tool in the kitchen, perfect for pureeing vegetables and fruits, making sauces, and even pressing tomatoes. But can they be used to grind grains or nuts? While food mills are designed for softer foods, there are some techniques you can use to grind harder ingredients as well.
What is a Food Mill?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about what a food mill actually is. A food mill is essentially a sieve with a crank handle and a perforated plate that separates the pulp from the seeds and skin of vegetables and fruits. They are particularly good for making smooth purees and sauces from tomatoes and other soft fruits.
Grinding Grains with a Food Mill
If you’re looking to grind grains with a food mill, it’s important to note that most food mills are not designed for this use. However, there are some workarounds that can allow you to use your food mill to grind grains. First, you’ll need to purchase a special plate with smaller holes that is specifically designed for grinding. This will help ensure that the grains are ground down to the desired consistency.
Grinding Nuts with a Food Mill
As with grains, most food mills are not designed for grinding nuts. However, it is possible to use a food mill to grind nuts by following a few simple steps. Start by toasting the nuts in the oven or on the stovetop to bring out their natural oils and flavor. Then, grind the nuts in small batches using a fine mesh plate. This will help ensure that the nuts are ground evenly and don’t get stuck in the mill.
The Bottom Line
While food mills are not typically designed for grinding grains or nuts, with a little effort and the right equipment, it is possible to use a food mill to grind these ingredients. If you’re looking for a tool specifically designed for grinding grains or nuts, you may want to consider purchasing a grain mill or nut grinder. However, if you already have a food mill and want to experiment with grinding grains or nuts, using a special plate and following the above steps can help ensure success.
