pot top
Pot-top
pot top
pot top
Pot top
pot top
pot top
pot top
pot top
The liquid in the pan gets hot, and creates water vapor. The lid, blanketed by the outside air, is cooler than the liquid in the pan, so the water condenses on the underside of the lid.
A pan doesn't dry out when you put a lid on it because you are creating a closed environment. The lid traps the steam that results from the heat. The steam hits the lid and when it can go through it turns into condensation which puts the liquid back into the pan.
You can cover a pan without a lid by using aluminum foil, a baking sheet, or a plate that is slightly larger than the pan. Simply place the covering over the top of the pan to trap heat and steam while cooking.
To cook a turkey in a roaster pan with a lid, preheat the oven to the recommended temperature. Place the turkey in the roaster pan, cover with the lid, and cook according to the recipe instructions. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it is fully cooked before serving.