Why Do Some Spoons Have A Big Ol' Hole In The Middle?

I've never personally owned a spoon with a hole in it, but when I heard of it, I was curious about what you'd use it for. I have seen plastic spoons with a hole that's used for pasta, but what else can you do with a spoon that has a hole in the middle? I mean, when you first look at it, it seems like it might be broken or missing a piece, but that hole serves a purpose. This unique type of spoon sometimes called a risotto spoon, helps stir starchy dishes more effectively.

When making risotto, the hole in the center lets grains of rice pass through as you stir, which assists with breaking down starches and creating the creamy texture that the dish is known for. It's much different from a that trusty wooden spoon or a solid silver one because the uninterrupted surface of traditional design can sometimes push rice around without fully incorporating liquid. Therefore, a spoon with a hole in the middle lets ingredients move freely, making it easier to mix everything evenly. It also reduces resistance, so you don't have to work as hard when stirring thick sauces.

Even if you're not a huge risotto fan, this type of spoon can also be useful for other purposes, like mashing. Here's a closer look at how it works and why it's a great tool for home cooks.

When you make risotto, do not, I beg you, sleep on the stirring part. You literally have to stir it every five seconds. You'll slowly add warm broth to rice while stirring continuously because this helps release the starches from the grains, which creates that famous creamy consistency. A risotto spoon, with its hole in the center, makes this process smoother by allowing rice and liquid to mix more evenly as you stir.

The hole in a risotto spoon lets grains pass through, helping them rub against each other. This speeds up starch release without crushing the grains, which is crucial for achieving risotto's creamy texture without turning it into mush. Revisiting the part about resistance, you'll appreciate that your arm won't be close to falling off halfway through cooking the risotto. This is especially true as you'll need about 20 to 30 minutes of near-constant movement to make a quality pot of risotto.

Using this spoon will also help you not overmix your ingredients. When you stir with a solid spoon, rice can sometimes get compacted against the sides of the pot, so it's a bit more difficult for the liquid to fully absorb. The spoon's design keeps everything moving naturally, ensuring every grain gets evenly coated in broth. If you're serious about making restaurant-quality risotto at home, this spoon is the one to add to your arsenal. It's one of those underappreciated kitchen heroes for those who truly love risotto and want to make it optimally.

Even though it's called a risotto spoon, this tool isn't just for risotto. The hole in the middle makes it great for mixing thick or starchy foods that need to be stirred gently but well. For example, it's good for creating bread or pasta dough. When mixing by hand, this kind of spoon helps blend the ingredients evenly without making the dough too tough.

It's also handy for stirring sauces, stews, or other thick foods. In some cases, you can even make it work as a masher. It's not the best, but you can definitely break up soft ingredients like boiled potatoes or canned tomatoes while still keeping some texture.

Some people also use this spoon to make homemade jams or preserves. The hole lets fruit move through while stirring, helping to mix everything without crushing soft pieces. Whether you're making risotto, kneading dough, or stirring a hearty sauce, a spoon with a hole in the middle is one of those simple tools that make cooking just a little bit easier.