ExcelSteel 5-Quart Stainless Steel Colander
A good colander isn’t fancy — it just needs to drain fast, stay stable, and hold up to years of rinsing, washing, and pasta-dumping. The ExcelSteel 5-quart stainless steel colander does all of that beautifully. With a clean brushed finish, sturdy rolled rim, and a wide base that keeps it steady in the sink, it’s the kind of dependable everyday tool your kitchen quietly relies on. Ideal for pasta, vegetables, fruits, beans, and big-batch washing.
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Key details at a glance
- 5-quart capacity handles everything from family-size pasta to rinsing produce.
- Polished stainless steel construction is durable, rust-resistant, and dishwasher safe.
- Precision-drilled perforations drain quickly without letting food slip through.
- Wide base keeps the colander stable when resting in the sink or on the countertop.
- Rolled rim provides a secure grip and extra structural strength.
- Lightweight yet sturdy — easy to lift even when fully loaded.
- Excellent airflow and fast drainage for washing greens, berries, beans, and grains.
How this fits into your cooking
Think of ExcelSteel 5-Quart Stainless Steel Colander as a core tool in your kitchen lineup. Pair it with your favorite Pantry Dropper recipes—whether you're searing, simmering, baking, or finishing dishes—to elevate your cooking with less effort and better results. After you pick it up, explore recipes to put it to work tonight.
Recipes to put this to work
A few ideas from the Pantry Dropper recipe box that pair especially well with this tool.
Pepper Jack Stuffed Meatloaf with Salsa Glaze
A savory meatloaf stuffed with gooey pepper jack cheese and topped with a tangy, zesty salsa glaze that'll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Skillet
Golden chicken and fluffy rice simmered in a vibrant tomato-basil sauce, bursting with fresh garden flavors.
Roasted Corn and Zucchini Chowder
Creamy, comforting chowder with a roasted sweetness from corn and zucchini, finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this casserole is a cozy hug in a baking dish.
Pantry ingredients to go with it
Stock the pantry with a few ingredients that tend to show up alongside this tool.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a plant-based milk alternative made from ground almonds and water. Originating from traditional recipes in medieval Europe and the Middle East, it has gained widespread popularity in modern times as a dairy-free option. Almond milk has a subtly nutty flavor with a mild sweetness, and its aroma is reminiscent of fresh almonds. Its texture is smooth and creamy, though typically lighter than dairy milk. In cooking, almond milk behaves well in both savory and sweet applications, though it does not brown or caramelize like dairy milk. It is often used in cereals, smoothies, and baking, where its delicate flavor complements rather than overpowers other ingredients.
Canned Coconut Milk
Canned coconut milk is a rich and creamy liquid extracted from grated coconut flesh. Originating from tropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia, it is a staple in many traditional cuisines. Its flavor is subtly sweet with a hint of nuttiness, and it carries a fragrant aroma reminiscent of fresh coconut. The texture is smooth and velvety, making it ideal for adding richness to dishes. In cooking, coconut milk is known for its ability to thicken soups and curries while infusing them with a luscious mouthfeel. It behaves well under heat, maintaining its consistency and enhancing the depth of flavor in various recipes.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a long-grain aromatic rice variety known for its delicate fragrance and fluffy texture when cooked. Its slender grains elongate beautifully, offering a nutty flavor that transports you to the heart of Indian cuisine.
Date Syrup
Date syrup is a natural sweetener derived from boiled-down dates, offering a rich, caramel-like flavor with subtle notes of molasses and toffee. Originating from the Middle East, where dates have been cultivated for thousands of years, it has become a staple in many cuisines due to its natural sweetness and nutritional benefits. The syrup boasts a smooth, viscous texture that is both glossy and pourable, making it an excellent substitute for honey or maple syrup. Its robust flavor profile enhances both savory and sweet dishes, and it behaves well in cooking, maintaining its integrity without burning easily. Date syrup is also a versatile ingredient that can be used to add moisture and depth to baked goods, sauces, and beverages.
Fresh Mahi Mahi Fillets
Succulent and tender, fresh Mahi Mahi fillets boast a delicate, sweet flavor and a firm yet flaky texture. Their vibrant white flesh is a canvas for culinary creativity, offering a taste of the ocean's bounty.
Paprika
Paprika is a vibrant red spice made from dried and ground bell peppers, chili peppers, or a blend of both. It offers a sweet, smoky, or spicy flavor depending on the variety.
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