Stir
Stirring is moving ingredients around in a bowl or pan, usually with a circular motion using a spoon, spatula, or whisk, until they are combined and evenly blended. It is one of the most basic cooking actions, used both to mix things together and to keep food moving so it heats evenly and does not stick or scorch on the bottom of the pan.
Cooks stir for two main reasons: to blend and to prevent sticking or burning. Custards, gravies, and risotto need frequent or constant stirring so they thicken smoothly without lumping or catching. A flat-edged wooden spoon or silicone spatula reaches into the corners of a pan where food tends to stick. When a recipe says to stir occasionally, it means come back every few minutes to scrape the bottom, whereas constant stirring is reserved for delicate mixtures that scorch easily.
Cooks stir for two main reasons: to blend and to prevent sticking or burning. Custards, gravies, and risotto need frequent or constant stirring so they thicken smoothly without lumping or catching. A flat-edged wooden spoon or silicone spatula reaches into the corners of a pan where food tends to stick. When a recipe says to stir occasionally, it means come back every few minutes to scrape the bottom, whereas constant stirring is reserved for delicate mixtures that scorch easily.