What is a food mill?
A food mill is a kitchen utensil that helps to puree or strain food items. It is perfect for preparing sauces, mashed potatoes, baby food, and more. The food mill breaks down the food by forcing it through a perforated disk, getting rid of any unwanted seeds or peels. They usually come in three sizes, small, medium, and large, and are made with either stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic disks. You can buy food mills both online on sites like Amazon or in most cookware shops.
Why use a food mill for tomato sauce?
Tomato sauce is a staple in most kitchens, especially when preparing pasta dishes. A food mill helps you get rid of unwanted seeds, skin, and pulp, giving your sauce a smooth consistency. Tomatoes can often be tough to process, which leads to you losing flavor and nutrients. By using a food mill, you can extract the tomato base without sacrificing the taste. Additionally, a food mill is great for making large quantities of sauce without leaving any mess in your kitchen.
How to use a food mill for tomato sauce?
First, wash your tomatoes and remove the stems. Then, cut them into quarters and place them into a large saucepan. Cook your tomatoes over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they are soft. Once they are cooked, remove them from heat and let them cool. When they are ready, place your food mill over a mixing bowl or a saucepan. Use a ladle to pour the cooked tomatoes into the mill. Start turning the handle, and the tomato pulp will come out through the holes in the disk. The seeds and skin will be left behind. Continue turning the handle until you run out of product.
How to clean a food mill?
Cleaning your food mill is essential to maintain its longevity. After each use, disassemble the mill by unscrewing the handle and separating all the pieces. Use a sponge or a brush to get rid of the remaining pulp. If the residue is too thick, you can soak your food mill in hot water to soften it. Rinse each part under running water and let them dry. If your food mill has any rust spots, you can remove them by mixing some baking soda and water to form a paste. Scrub it on the rusted spot with a toothbrush and rinse.
A food mill is an excellent tool to use in the kitchen, particularly when making tomato sauce. By using a food mill, you can get rid of unwanted seeds and skin without losing any nutrition or flavor. Remember to clean your food mill after every use to keep it working efficiently and prolong its lifespan. Now that you know how to use one, you can enjoy making homemade tomato sauce with ease.
