a food mill

food mill

Food mills are used to force food through a mesh grate or sieve. Food mills are typically made up of a removable grate or sieve, a bowl like object that has no bottom and a crank or handle. The cook turns the crank, which spins a disk like plate. The plate is angled upwards so that with each revolution it forces food through the sieve. Food mills are often used to purée soups or mash potatoes, though there are many other uses.