Abstract: A method for the rapid continuous mashing and cooking of grains, legume pulses, corn kernels, seeds or the like, as a stage in the production of a food product, said method including the steps of: introducing said grains, legume pulses, corn kernels or the like into a continuous throughput high-shear mixing/cooking device in which said materials are heated at a pressure of up to 40 Bar and to a temperature of between 100° C. and 200° C. and are then expelled from said device and cooled to a target temperature for storage or further processing.