As one of the most effective strainers that can be used in the kitchen, the drum sieve is an ideal means of straining liquids or to sift flour or other dry ingredients. Here are some of the characteristics of the drum sieve, as well as some of the more common kitchen tasks that the drum sieve can be used for.
The drum sieve has a long history in a number of cultures. Wooden versions of the sieve are still used extensively in Asia, where they have been used to process all sorts of foods for centuries. Stainless steel versions predominate in Europe and most of the Americas, although an aluminum version is also very popular. As more interest in Asian cuisine has built in the United States, many kitchen boutiques have begun to carry the Asian variety as well. The drum sieve has several names around the world, including the tamis sieve and the mouli drum sieve.
The appearance of the drum sieve will be familiar to many people. Usually constructed with a round stainless steel frame that is low-walled, the bottom of the sieve is fitted with mesh, which may be made with cheesecloth, nylon, or stainless steel. The mesh is woven so that the fine particles of flour or sugar would pass through the chamber with ease, but anything larger would be trapped.
Sieves are great ways to run dry ingredients through and make them even finer in texture. For example, sugar or flour that is run through a drum sieve will absorb much easier in recipes for gravies or sauces. Many people use a sieve for flour before using it to make biscuit dough, as it helps to produce lighter and fluffier biscuits. A typical drum sieve will have a twelve-inch diameter, which provides a decent sized working surface for processing.
Along with dry ingredients, a drum sieve can be used to prepare fresh juices. Using anything from apples to tomatoes, sections of the fruit are cut and laid on the sieve, then strained by hand through the mesh on the bottom of the tamis sieve. The result is a pulp free juice that is fresh and ready to be enjoyed. The drum sieve can be a great way to create all sorts of juice combinations, simply by pressing a variety of the fruit and straining the juice through the mesh.
Preparing nuts for cooking and desserts is also possible with the drum sieve. Straining the nuts through the sieve will create a powdery quality to the nuts that will be ideal for use in all sorts of batters and even as an additive to a sauce for ice cream. Along with using the strained nuts for desserts, they may also be used in such dishes as peanut soup as a way to enhance the flavor and keep a creamy texture.
Mouli drum sieves are also a great way to strain cooked vegetables. Using several different kinds of vegetables, it is possible to create a wonderful home made broth that is ideal for soups and stews, or as a simple meal on its own. Loaded with vitamins, the broth created with the drum sieve is fresh and will easily taste better than any canned broth.
