Crossword Genius

Cook prodding stuff with utensil, initially (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

saute

'cook' is the definition.
(I know this)

'prodding stuff with utensil initially' is the wordplay.
'prodding' is an insertion indicator (prod can mean to poke a hole into something).
'stuff with' becomes 'sate' (I've seen this in another clue. I am not sure about the 'with' bit.).
'initially' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letter of 'utensil' is 'u'.
'sate' placed around 'u' is 'SAUTE'.

(Other definitions for saute that I've seen before include "Cook" , "Cooked in a little hot fat" , "fried spuds and the like" , "Fry quickly in hot fat" , "Fry in a small amount of fat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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