When cooking, placing your fingers on the top of food before putting it in the oven, microwave, or other cooking appliances serves several purposes:
Even Distribution: By pressing down gently on the top of the food, you can ensure that it is evenly spread and leveled inside the dish. This helps in achieving uniform cooking and prevents any uneven portions from burning or undercooking.
Release of Air Pockets: When you press on the top of the food, any trapped air pockets or bubbles within the mixture can be released. This is particularly important for dishes like batters, cakes, or casseroles, where air pockets can cause uneven cooking and affect the final texture.
Smooth Surface: Pressing down on the top of certain dishes, like casseroles or lasagnas, can help create a smooth surface, which is beneficial when applying toppings or sauces.
Preventing Overflow: When cooking certain dishes, they might rise or expand during the cooking process. Pressing down on the food can help ensure it doesn't overflow or spill while cooking.
Aesthetic Appeal: In some recipes, pressing down on the top can be a part of the preparation process that affects the final appearance of the dish. It can create patterns or designs on the surface that add visual appeal.
It's important to note that not all recipes require pressing down on the food before cooking. Some dishes benefit from leaving them in their natural form or even adding some texture to the top before cooking. Always follow the specific instructions in the recipe to achieve the best results for the dish you are preparing.