Chinois

Chinois

Chinois

A chinois is a conical sieve with an extremely fine mesh. It is used to strain custards, purees, soups, and sauces, producing a very smooth texture. The chinois is a critical tool in professional kitchens and is often used in the preparation of fine dining dishes.

Design and Function

The chinois is characterized by its conical shape and fine mesh, which distinguishes it from other types of strainers. The mesh is typically made of stainless steel, which provides durability and resistance to corrosion. The conical shape allows for efficient straining, as the contents are funneled through the narrow end, ensuring that only the finest particles pass through.

Chinoise

The chinois is often used in conjunction with a pestle or a spatula to press the food through the mesh. This process is essential for achieving the desired smoothness in dishes such as sauces, soups, and custards.

Culinary Uses

In professional kitchens, the chinois is indispensable for creating high-quality, refined dishes. It is commonly used to:

• Strain sauces to remove any lumps or impurities, resulting in a silky texture.
• Puree soups to achieve a smooth consistency without any fibrous material.
• Strain custards to ensure a creamy, lump-free dessert.
• Prepare fruit coulis by removing seeds and skins, leaving a smooth sauce.

Variations

While the traditional chinois is made of stainless steel, variations exist that use different materials or have slightly different designs. Some chinois may have a coarser mesh, which is suitable for less refined straining tasks. Others may come with a stand or hooks to facilitate hands-free use.

Related Tools

The chinois is often compared to the china cap, another conical strainer. However, the china cap has a much coarser mesh and is used for different purposes, such as straining stocks or broths where fine particles are not a concern.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care of a chinois involves regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of food particles in the mesh. It should be washed immediately after use and thoroughly dried to prevent rusting. Some models are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended to preserve the fine mesh.

Related Pages

• Sieve
• Strainer
• Culinary tools
• Cooking techniques