When a recipe says ';cover and cook for x min';?

Do you really have to cover it? My large skillet doesn't have a lid, and I have a recipe that says your supposed to cover it. Does it matter, can't you just adjust to it not being covered? Thanks!When a recipe says ';cover and cook for x min';?
A cookie sheet will work but an easier way would be to use some aluminum foil to put over the top. You can seal it pretty well and it isn't such a hassle to lift up a corner of it to check on the cooking.When a recipe says ';cover and cook for x min';?
You need to cover it so that moisture isn't lost and so that some pressure builds up and penetrates whatever it is that you are cooking. If you don't then it will be dryer (or thicker) and not taste the same, but it still will be done.





If you don't have a cover then add a little more water and don't turn down the heat as far.
Yes you should cover it. Water will cook out of a pan on the stove, and sometimes you don't want this to happen. The good news is that you don't have to use a lid specifically for that pan; anything big and flat, like a cookie sheet, will work in a pinch.
I like Dragons' idea about the aluminium foil. Nice touch. It prevents steam from evaporating and keeping the meat/whatever tender. You can add more water, but until you mastered the dish, cover it to find out your ';perfect'; results.
recipes are a good guide line for anyone trying to prepare a dish for the first time. of course you can always adjust any instructions, as you like.
covering it just makes it lose less watewr so if you dont cover itr will be dryer and takew longer to cook but it's usualy ok to disobay.
If you don't have a lid find a plate big enough to cover it. Always works for me.