What is the purpose of a slotted spoon during cooking?

The primary purpose of a slotted spoon during cooking is to stir and serve foods in liquids. The slots or holes in the spoon allow for the liquid to drain away while still retaining the solid food items, making it ideal for tasks such as serving pasta, vegetables, or any dish where you want to separate solids from a broth or cooking liquid. This functionality is particularly useful for portion control and presentation, as it helps in transferring the desired food items without excess liquid.

Measuring liquid ingredients is typically done using measuring cups or jugs, while aerating batter involves specific tools like whisks or beaters, which are designed to incorporate air into the mixture. Removing soft ingredients from a bowl may require different types of utensils that can scoop or lift gently without breaking the items apart, instead of a slotted spoon, which serves a distinct purpose related to cooking and serving foods immersed in liquids.