To boil off excess liquid, is it better to use a lid or not?

Question

I want to boil excess liquid off of some soup and don't want to just dip the liquid off, as it would take away flavor, seasoning, etc.
If I place a lid on the pot the temperature of the pot will be greater and more of the surface of the soup should be at boiling point, so it should produce more steam, which I want. But...the lid would keep some of that steam from escaping, even though there are slots in the lid to allow for ventilation. Lid off means nothing to inhibit the escape of steam, but a lower temperature/lower portion of surface area boiling. What do you think? Lid on or off?

Answer 1

use no lid and boil off the desired amount of liquid while stirring, which will bring the hottest liquid to the top of the pot where it can evaporate as steam.

Answer 2

Remove the lid. Stir now and then and watch it. When it is thickened to a point that makes you happy. Remove from heat and pop the lid back on til you serve. Lids trap moisture which condenses back into liquid. Removing the lid will allow the moisture in the form of steam to escape.

Answer 3

Lid off.

Answer 4

Without the lid. But don't use high heat, the broth will be more flavorful the longer it simmers. Same goes for sauces like spaghetti sauce.

Answer 5

lid off so the extra water can escape as vapor

Answer 6

lid off if you leave the lid on you will just keep building up condensation,

Answer 7

lid off.

Answer 8

half lid. but if the water is too much, then open fully.

Answer 9

it should be lid off (:

Answer 10

lid off & do not burn