What is a Food Mill and How Does it Work?
A food mill is a kitchen tool that has a simple design yet is very versatile in its uses. It consists of a bowl, a crank, and a perforated disk that sits at the bottom of the bowl. The food is pushed through the perforations by turning the crank, separating the pulp from the seeds and skin and producing a smooth consistency in the food.
Making Homemade Sauces and Jams
A food mill is perfect for making homemade sauces and jams. You can puree fruits and vegetables with a food mill without having to peel them or removing seeds. The food mill also helps separate the pulp from the seeds and skin and allows for making a flavorful and smooth sauce or jam that can be used for many things such as pasta sauce, pizza sauce, apple sauce or fruit jam
Mashing Foods with a Food Mill
A food mill is useful for mashing various types of foods. If you prefer mashed potatoes without the lumps, you can use a food mill to achieve a smooth texture. Instead of using a masher to mash potatoes, just run the cooked potatoes through the food mill and you will have a velvety texture. The food mill can also be used for mashing chickpeas for hummus or mashing fruits for baby food.
Straining Soups and Broths with a Food Mill
Food mills are also great for straining soups and broths. You can use it to separate the liquid from the solid components of a soup easily. Instead of using a cheesecloth or a strainer, a food mill gives you a smoother and finer consistency. The food mill can also mash the cooked vegetables into the broth which can thicken it and add a more robust flavor.
Making Homemade Pasta with a Food Mill
A food mill can be used to make homemade pasta as well. It can be used to grind the flour or semolina that will be used for the pasta dough mixture. The food mill can also be used to make the paste itself by breaking down the dough into thin, consistent layers. With homemade pasta, you can control the quality and the quantities, adding your own flavors and ingredients to it.
