What does it mean to mash food?

Mashing food involves reducing it to a soft mass using a masher. This process typically applies to starchy vegetables like potatoes or fruits like bananas, where the goal is to create a smooth, creamy texture. Mashing alters the structure of the food, making it easier to combine with other ingredients or to serve as a side dish, such as mashed potatoes.

The other options describe different cooking techniques. Cooking food for a long time pertains to braising or stewing, which is not related to mashing. Chopping involves cutting food into small pieces, which is a distinct method from mashing since it maintains the food's individual pieces rather than creating a uniform mass. Mixing food thoroughly with a spoon refers to a different process altogether that involves combining ingredients, rather than the transformation associated with mashing. This clarity helps to understand the unique nature of mashing in culinary practice.