6 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU COULD USE YOUR COLANDER FOR

Originally published by Tramontina USA, 2018

A colander is one of those kitchen tools that is a bit cumbersome but necessary for draining pasta and washing veggies. But what else can you use the tool for? As long as you have the right kind of colander—a sturdy stainless steel piece with micro-perforations—you’ll be able to use it for far more than you thought. Check out our favorite six:

1.SMALL GRAIN RINSER AND DRAINER

Where do you drain Israeli couscous or farro? What about washing some of the starch out of your rice for maximum fluffiness? A colander, that’s where.

2.STEAMER

Create your own steam baskets by using a colander. Boil the water, put veggies or potatoes in the colander, and place the colander on top so that the edges rest on either side of the pot. Once everything is nice and steamed, carefully (it’s hot so use oven mitts or a towel) lift the colander out of the pot.  

3.STRAIN & DRAIN WATERY VEGETABLES

Roasted eggplant and zoodles work best when the vegetables are dry. Place the chopped eggplant or zoodles in a colander and sprinkle salt over, tossing to coat. Let sit for 30 minutes and then squeeze the vegetables, letting the water drain out.

4.POACH EGGS

Boil water, add a bit of white vinegar, and set a colander on top so the edges rest on either side of the pot. Swirl the boiling water and slide in your egg. Once it’s cooked, carefully (it’s hot so use oven mitts or a towel) and lift the colander out of the pot with the egg.

5.SIFTING FLOUR

Flour can get clumpy if it sits for too long or if you live in a humid environment. It’s always a good idea to sift flour before working with any pastries or cakes. Place the flour in the strainer over a mixing and tap the sides until all the flour sifts through into a neat, dusty pile. No need to buy one of those crank sifters.

6.STORE FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Lots of fruits and prepared vegetables actually stay fresher with a little air flow. Place berries, rinsed grapes and cherry tomatoes, or washed lettuce in a colander with a paper towel on top and let them hang in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.

How are you using your colander? Get creative and let us know!