When you think about essential kitchen tools, a colander might not immediately come to mind—but this simple, versatile kitchen gadget is a true workhorse. Whether you’re preparing a home-cooked meal or just rinsing some vegetables, a colander is something you likely reach for more than you realize.
But what exactly is a colander used for, and why is it so common in kitchens around the world? In this post, we’ll explore the many uses of a colander, its different types, and why it’s an indispensable item in your kitchen arsenal.
What Is A Colander?
A colander is a bowl-shaped kitchen utensil made from various materials like stainless steel, plastic, or silicone. It typically features small holes or perforations and a rim, making it ideal for draining liquids from food items. You might have encountered a strainer with two handles for easy handling or one that fits snugly in your sink to help with larger batches.
But it’s not just about its looks—colanders are incredibly handy when it comes to food preparation. In short, colanders are primarily used to drain liquids from cooked food, but their functionality stretches far beyond that.
1. Draining Pasta And Noodles
One of the most common uses of a colander is for draining pasta or noodles after they’ve been cooked. When you boil pasta, it naturally absorbs water, and once it’s done cooking, you need to get rid of that excess liquid. This is where your trusty strainer steps in.
Simply place the colander in the sink, pour the pot of pasta and water into it, and let the liquid drain away. Colanders with small holes are perfect for this because they allow the water to pass through while keeping the pasta intact.
Bonus tip: To prevent your pasta from sticking together, consider tossing it with a little olive oil or butter right after draining.
2. Rinsing Fruits And Vegetables
Another primary use of a colander is for rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether you’re washing leafy greens like spinach, cleaning berries, or draining off excess water from vegetables like peas or carrots, a strainer makes the task a lot easier.
For delicate items like berries, a colander helps you wash them thoroughly without the risk of crushing them, thanks to its mesh design. Plus, you can easily shake off any excess water after rinsing.
3. Draining Canned Foods
Ever open a can of beans, tuna, or vegetables only to be faced with a pool of liquid inside? Canned foods often contain water or brine to preserve their contents, and draining this liquid is usually essential for many recipes.
A colander comes to the rescue once again! Simply place the can’s contents in the colander and let the liquid drain out. If you’re using beans or vegetables, it’s a good idea to rinse them as well to remove excess sodium or preservatives, and a strainer makes this job a breeze.
4. Straining Liquids
Colanders used for straining liquids in certain recipes. For instance, when you’re making homemade stock or broth, a colander can help strain out bones, vegetable pieces, or herbs from the liquid, leaving you with a perfectly clear broth to work with.
Similarly, colanders come in handy when you need to strain other foods, such as when draining yogurt to make Greek yogurt or when separating excess liquid from homemade ricotta cheese. A finer-mesh strainer can catch smaller particles and leave you with a smooth result.
5. Draining Fried Food
Fried food can often be greasy, so using a colander to drain excess oil is an effective way to reduce fat content and avoid greasy food. After frying items like chicken, potatoes, or donuts, you can transfer them to a colander lined with paper towels.
The holes in the strainer allow the oil to drip away from the food, while the paper towels help absorb it. This process helps the food stay crispy and prevents it from becoming too soggy.
6. Sifting Dry Ingredients
While a sieve is often the go-to tool for sifting dry ingredients, in a pinch, a colander can do the job as well. When you need to sift flour, powdered sugar, or cocoa powder, the fine holes in a colander can help separate any lumps and allow the powder to fall through easily.
This technique works especially well for larger amounts of dry ingredients, where a sieve may be too small to handle the job efficiently. Just place the strainer over a bowl, add the dry ingredients, and gently tap or shake the strainer to sift them.
7. Cooling Hot Foods
After cooking certain foods, especially things like potatoes, pasta, or blanched vegetables, a colander can be used as a cooling rack. The holes in the strainer allow air to circulate around the food, helping it cool more quickly. This is particularly useful when you need to prepare ingredients for salads or other cold dishes.
8. Preparing Steamed Food
While a colander is not technically a steamer basket, it can be used as a makeshift steaming tool when necessary. If you don’t have a dedicated steamer, simply place the strainer over a pot of simmering water. Ensure that the strainer doesn’t touch the water, and cover the whole setup with a lid to trap steam.
You can steam vegetables, dumplings, or even fish in this way. The steam from the boiling water rises through the strainer, gently cooking the food without direct contact with the water.
9. Making Salads
A colander is invaluable when preparing salads. Whether you’re washing and draining a large batch of greens, or preparing fruit salads. Using a strainer helps ensure the ingredients are clean and free from excess water. Once you’ve rinsed your salad ingredients, you can give them a good shake to remove any leftover moisture.
Also, if you’re using freshly cooked potatoes for a salad, like in a potato salad, draining them in a strainer is the perfect way to get rid of the excess liquid, while the potatoes cool down quickly.
10. Straining Homemade Pasta
Making fresh pasta from scratch is a fun culinary activity, but it requires a colander for draining the cooked noodles. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, so once it’s done, you’ll need to drain it quickly to avoid overcooking.
Simply place the cooked pasta in the strainer, and let the hot water drain off. You can then add your favorite sauce or seasoning directly to the pasta. A strainer ensures that the pasta doesn’t get too soggy or stick together.
Conclusion
From draining pasta to washing fruits and vegetables, a colander is a versatile and essential tool in any kitchen. Its ability to separate liquids from solids makes it indispensable for a wide variety of cooking and food prep tasks. Whether you’re straining liquids, draining fried foods, or even making salads, a colander’s practical design ensures ease and efficiency.
So, next time you’re prepping ingredients in the kitchen, don’t forget to grab your colander. It’s a small investment that packs a punch in terms of versatility and convenience. If you’re still using that old, warped plastic colander, it might be time to upgrade to a high-quality stainless steel one—it’ll last for years and make your kitchen tasks a whole lot easier!