What is a food mill?
A food mill, also known as a passatutto, is a kitchen tool used for straining and puréeing cooked foods into uniform textures. It consists of a bowl, a rotating blade, and a semicircular disk with holes. The food is placed in the bowl, and the blade forces it through the holes in the disk, resulting in a smooth puree or sauce. Food mills are commonly used for making baby food, soups, sauces, and jams.
How does it work?
Food mills work by mechanical force. First, the cooked food is placed in the bowl of the food mill. Then, the blade is rotated and presses the food against the disk. The disk has small holes that filter out any seeds or skins, while allowing the smooth puree to pass through. The puree is collected in a separate bowl or container, ready to be used in your recipe.
What are the benefits of using a food mill?
One of the main benefits of using a food mill is that it produces a uniform texture without any chunks or lumps. This makes it perfect for making baby food or for people who prefer a smooth texture in their sauces or soups. Another benefit is that it separates any seeds or skins, which saves time and makes the process more efficient. Food mills also require less effort than other methods such as using a blender or food processor, which can be noisy and difficult to clean.
How do I choose the right food mill?
When choosing a food mill, it is important to consider the size of the bowl and the size of the holes in the disk. The size of the bowl should be large enough to hold the amount of food you need to puree, while the size of the holes in the disk will determine the texture of the puree. Finer holes will produce a smoother texture, while larger holes will result in a more coarse texture.
How do I care for my food mill?
Caring for your food mill is relatively simple. After each use, disassemble the parts and wash them with warm soapy water. Make sure to clean any food particles from the disk and blade. Allow the parts to air dry, and then reassemble. If your food mill has any rust spots, use a baking soda and water mixture to scrub them away.
