Bob O'Dyne wrote:

>> uncovered? why?
>> it takes Longer to boil if uncovered
> - Boiling with the lid on increases the likelihood of boiling over.
>
> - Boiling with the lid on causes the liquid to boil (and the food to
> cook) faster than what may be desirable.
>
> - As others have mentioned, boiling with the lid on prevents
> reduction.
>
> There are probably other good culinary reasons for boiling with the
> lid (completely or partially) off when you're concerned with more than
> just saving time and fuel.

I think the confusion arose from the fact that the directions said to
bring the water to a boil in an uncovered pot. Sure, there are plenty of
reasons for leaving the pot uncovered when you're cooking the food
itself. But if you're just bringing water to a boil, it's pointless to
leave the pot uncovered.

Bob