tamis

Definition

A drum-shaped strainer with fine mesh used to push sauces, purees, and other mixtures through for silky-smooth texture. The chef's way of saying 'lumps are for amateurs' while getting an arm workout that would make CrossFit jealous.

Example Usage

Run that potato puree through the tamis twice if you want it restaurant-quality.

Origin

French for 'sieve,' from Latin 'tamisium'

Fun Fact

Before modern food mills, the tamis was the only way to achieve Michelin-worthy smoothness, making it the secret weapon of haute cuisine.

Source: Professional culinary equipment terminology

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