Blenders have become an indispensable assistant for housewives in the kitchen. With their help, you can please your family with delicious pancakes, nutritious soups, and original desserts. Some dishes simply cannot be made without a miracle machine! With a blender you can do a lot, and spend much less time.
Modern models come with a large number of attachments. They significantly expand the capabilities of the device. So what can you prepare with a blender, what functions and attachments will be useful and in demand?
The device of a blender and what can be prepared with it
Blenders are different from blenders; accordingly, each device differs in type and has an individual design. Without exception, all kitchen choppers are equipped with a built-in blade (knives), the number of cutting parts can be different, a container for processing food, various attachments and glasses, and additional functions.
After preparing the product, let the device cool down before starting it again.
Using this unit, you can easily prepare smoothies, fruit and vegetable purees, pureed soups, as well as gruels and yoghurts for feeding infants. You can use a blender, which has the function of uniformly grinding food, at the height of the canning season. The device becomes an ideal assistant for cutting vegetables for wrapping.
If you plan to make a milkshake, your blender model should come with a special glass and two knives located at the same height.
Advantages and features of each type
The basic functionality of these two types is the same. Differences:
- design;
- appearance;
- technical specifications.
Each type of blender has its own advantages and disadvantages.
"Pros" and "cons" of submersible devices
A blender with a handle and a “foot” is usually bought by owners of small kitchens. The device is compact, does not take up much space when stored, easily fitting into drawers. Often such units are hung on the wall.
Benefits include:
- small sizes;
- light weight;
- ease of operation;
- the ability to prepare food in small portions (sauces, baby food);
- easy care.
The submersible model works with any container, the main thing is that it is deep enough to beat or mix the product. Using an immersion blender it is easy to prepare baby food (small portions). After preparing the dish, the nozzles and the “leg” are rinsed under water and dried.
Disadvantages include:
- low power of the device (hospitals are usually more powerful);
- difficulty in grinding solid products.
An immersion blender cannot be left without attention; it is not suitable for autonomous operation. The handle of the unit is held in the hand and the process is controlled. When purchasing, pay attention to the number of speed modes and power.
On a note!
Blenders with a power of 400-600 W with 4-6 speed switch positions are more convenient to use.
Such models have less functionality than devices with a bowl.
"Pros" and "cons" of stationary devices
The units look like food processors. Advantages of the devices:
- possibility of autonomous operation according to a given mode;
- loading a large volume of components (the exact quantity depends on the capacity of the bowl and power);
- the presence of a lid on the container that protects against the release of products during whipping, mixing or chopping;
- affordable price.
But such blenders will require a special place in the kitchen. “Minus” is the difficulty in grinding small products that are crushed non-uniformly.
Best Stand Blender Recipes: Delicious Ideas
Once you understand the operating principle of the device and its capabilities, you can prepare several interesting dishes that will diversify your daily nutritional diet. Agree, home cooking is high-quality and healthy food prepared with your own hands. No matter how difficult it is to complete the recipe, as a result you will be confident in the naturalness of this product. Let's return to what is perfectly prepared in such a device:
- Homemade mayonnaise . This is an original thick product that can not only be used to season snacks, but also simply eaten with a spoon, as it has a pleasant aroma and delicate taste. It is important to observe the quantities of all ingredients.
- Cream soup . It can be prepared on either a vegetable or dairy basis. It is important that the attachments are installed correctly for this type of product, otherwise you will get a porridge of chopped ingredients instead of a puree-like dish.
- Apple or banana mousse . This product is perfect for children's breakfast. To make the drink perfectly tasty and smooth, it is important to completely remove the skin, seeds and stems.
- Sauces and gravies . Why, you ask, do they need to be cooked in a blender? Because each ingredient is crushed as much as possible, forming a homogeneous mass, which you just have to boil, add spices and herbs to it.
To knead thick dough, the blender must be equipped with a special attachment and also have good power.
Using home blenders, we can prepare different desserts, as well as dough of different thicknesses.
We recommend using a multitasking blender that can serve you for as long as possible. When your blender breaks down, we recommend that you pay attention to this model.
Nozzle functionality
To increase the functionality of the units, special attachments are used. Some of them are included with the blender, others are sold separately. If necessary, any elements can be purchased in the store.
Nozzles:
- for submersible devices;
- for hospitals (installed in a bowl).
According to functions they are classified into groups:
- stirring;
- for whipping;
- cutting (grinding products).
Special attachments are available (perform only a specific action) and universal ones.
Attachments for immersion blenders
Nozzles of various designs are attached to the “leg”:
- main chopper (in the form of blade knives);
- attachments with a perforated crown (for preparing fruit, vegetable and meat purees);
- hook – reinforced design for kneading dough with a dense consistency, suitable only for devices with high power;
- whisks in the form of a circle or frames for mixing;
- vacuum attachment (included with trays).
Conventional whisk attachments allow you to whip light dough, creams, and protein mixtures into a fluffy foam. Vacuum nozzles are installed in containers with products, then air is pumped out from there. As a result, the shelf life of food increases significantly.
Attachments for stationary blenders
In such units, nozzles are installed in a bowl. The kit usually includes several different types of shredders (basic set), but there are models with an expanded set of additional elements.
Nozzles available:
- graters;
- for preparing dough of various consistencies;
- knives for chopping food
- slicing discs;
- for cutting into cubes;
- juicer;
- for crushing ice;
- for creating emulsions.
The cutting elements are mounted on a rod inside the container and driven by the device’s motor. The lid covering the container has a hole for adding ingredients without stopping the blender.
Knives of blade designs are designed for grinding. Made from stainless steel, due to their strength, they grind and crush products of varying degrees of hardness. Knives and grating devices are installed in special disc holders. Used for slicing, producing vegetable or fruit shavings, and noodles. Since the cutting elements are arranged in fragments, sometimes defects “slip through” - large pieces.
Attachments for obtaining cubes consist of a special mesh, through the cells of which the product is pressed, and knives. When extruding, the cutting elements cut off the extruded part, producing a cube.
Using a paddle attachment, ice cubes and crushed ice are obtained, and a cone with vertical holes and ribs is convenient for preparing freshly squeezed juice from lemons, oranges or tangerines.
All types of blenders have dough attachments. Kinds:
- paddle attachment – kneads light, low-viscosity dough;
- rotating hook - for thick dough.
The latest models of blenders include a spiral attachment designed to produce emulsions of uniform consistency. When using a whisk to mix two ingredients, air ingress makes it difficult to achieve uniformity. A vertically rotating spiral prevents such contact; the compounds are screwed into each other and distributed evenly.
Simple Recipes for Immersion Blenders
The advantage of an immersion blender is its ability to puree soup and grind other ingredients in absolutely any container. You can even process just the cooked dish into a tender and fluffy mush without pouring it into another utensil. Using submersible models of kitchen appliances, you can easily create masterpieces:
When chopping berries and fruits in a blender, use a lid or deep container. This will prevent the juice from splashing.
- Cream for cake . An immersion blender can work like a high-speed mixer, beating the whites and yolks until smooth and foamy. The device perfectly mixes boiled condensed milk with sour cream, chopped nuts and other sweets.
- Batter . After mixing all the ingredients in the required quantity, turn on the blender and enjoy its work. With its help, you can easily create a dough of liquid consistency for baking biscuits and airy cakes.
- Berry mousses . An immersion blender perfectly processes berries with small seeds. Thanks to special attachments, you can simultaneously chop currants, blackberries, raspberries and gooseberries.
Do not process tree fruits that have not been pitted (cherries, cherries, plums, apricots). They can damage the blender blades.
What to grind
A household shredder makes the life of any housewife easier. Its capabilities help you cut vegetables or make minced meat without effort and without getting your hands dirty.
An attachment for a device with a power of less than 600 Watts is used for cutting boiled vegetables or herbs. Powerful blenders make it possible to grind hard foods, nuts or crack ice.
Certain devices with additional knives can replace shredders and graters. For this purpose, there are designs that cut food into cubes. But even simple blenders can chop vegetables for making soups, borscht, or stews.
For preparing desserts, cocktails, smoothies, it is advisable to choose stationary equipment. After cooking, these dishes come out more airy than when using an immersion blender.
A stationary mechanical device is convenient for making all kinds of sauces. The advantage is that the products are added during the mixing process itself. It is difficult to do this when using submersible equipment due to the location of the electric motor above the container lid.
Immersion models perform well in the process of preparing fruit salads, minced meat, and mashed potatoes. That is, for dishes that do not require consistent addition of ingredients. These devices are suitable for grinding hard products.
What does a blender do for first courses: a review of the most delicious recipes
When you are a worker in a large company and have little time for lunch, use a blender, which will prepare delicious homemade soup in a matter of minutes. Let's look at a couple of interesting recipes.
Gazpacho is a great idea in hot weather
A bright and vitamin-packed soup for any table. In this dish you do not need heat treatment of the products, which means they retain all the vitamins that tonic the body.
Illustration | Description of action |
Prepare red bell pepper, salt, a clove of garlic and a few tomatoes. First, remove the stalks. | |
Cut the tomatoes and garlic into slices and place them in a blender vessel. | |
Place a pinch of salt in a glass and place the container in its seat, covering it with a lid. | |
We start the device, distributing the ingredients evenly in the glass with a special screw, you can slightly increase the grinding speed. | |
Pour the soup into a convenient container, add herbs, and you can eat it with a crust of bread for lunch. |
Delicious mushroom soup for a hearty dinner
If you like thick, creamy soup, then you can add less water or broth when cooking. We offer a step-by-step recipe.
Illustration | Description of action |
We prepare all the products: potatoes, carrots, onions, put them in a saucepan and fill them with water. Don't forget to add salt to the ingredients. | |
Wash the champignons and cut them into cubes, then place them in a frying pan with vegetable oil and fry until tender. Salt and pepper to taste and mix thoroughly. | |
Place the blender in the pan and start it up. Bring the mass until smooth. | |
Add mushrooms to the soup and mix well. | |
Serve the finished soup to the table and season with croutons and herbs. |
How to protect your kitchen appliance from malfunctions?
When using a blender-grinder, you must not forget about the operating rules that prevent damage to the device and increase the service life of the equipment. Before using a blender with an attachment, you need to read the instructions:
- Do not leave the equipment turned on when not in use;
- Make sure that the sockets are suitable for the power of the device to prevent overvoltage and fire;
- Water must not enter the engine;
- Before use, check whether all elements of the device are securely fastened;
- Before the first start-up, make sure that there are no defects (pay attention to the power cord to see if there is any damage);
- Dry all elements of the device to prevent rust from developing on parts made of metal.
What can you cook in a blender for the second course: options for snack recipes
In addition to soups and various desserts, you can prepare interesting snack options that will turn out tastier than store-bought ones.
Homemade pork sausage - the right approach to sandwiches
To prepare you will need:
- pork - 2 kg;
- cream - 5 tbsp. l.;
- egg - 1 pc.;
- garlic - 5 teeth;
- salt, pepper and other spices - to taste.
Boiled homemade sausage is many times better than branded store-bought sausage
Cooking method:
- We wash and clean all the ingredients. Cut the meat into small cubes, chop the garlic and beat the egg in a separate container.
- We put all the ingredients into the blender container and set the desired processing speed.
- When grinding is complete, start the device again. This will make it possible to grind the ingredients better.
- Wrap the resulting mixture in baking paper and form sausages. We tie them at both ends.
- Now wrap the product in foil and cook in salted water. Cooking time over low heat is at least 1.5 hours.
If desired, you can add vegetables, onions or spices to the sausage. This will give the finished sausages an unusual taste.
What not to do with the shredder
When using a blender-chopper, the following manipulations are prohibited:
- Leave the device turned on for a long time. Stationary devices are more powerful than submersible structures and it takes several minutes to cope with grinding. To prevent overheating and damage to the electric motor, there is no need to overload the equipment for a long time and constantly. If long periods of work are required, the engine must be allowed to cool periodically. Advanced blenders are protected from overheating, and they have additional attachments for purees, salads, soups, kneading dough and are equipped with graters of different sizes by default.
- Place vegetables and fruits that are too hard or large. Solid foods with low liquid require cutting. If the equipment is not designed or does not have a knife for breaking ice, there is no need to experiment with this device - a piece of ice may be too tough for the blender.
- Knead the thick dough. Even modern designs cannot replace a food processor or hand kneading dough. And if the equipment can easily cope with a composition of medium thickness, then a tight consistency for a blender is a difficult task and destructive for an electric motor.
- Place hot food. Regardless of the material of the chopper bowl, elevated temperatures will not appeal to either the bowl or the attachments used. The recommended temperature for all components for grinding should be no more than 70 degrees.
Sunflower seed pate - a healthy breakfast product
The distinctive properties of seeds are the richness of microelements necessary for the body. Let's use a blender to prepare a delicious and very unusual snack that can be eaten both for breakfast and throughout the day.
You will need:
- sunflower seeds - 1 tbsp.;
- basil greens - 30 g;
- lemon juice - from 1/3 of a whole lemon;
- garlic - 1 tooth;
- paprika, salt - to taste;
- parsley - 30 g.
Sunflower seeds are a great boost of energy for the body.
Cooking method:
- Peel the seeds and soak in cold water for several hours.
- Then combine the product with the remaining ingredients in a bowl and add to the blender jar.
- Set the desired speed and grind the mixture until smooth. After the product is ready, it can be eaten.
Design and purpose
CONTENT
The electrical device consists of an oblong handle with a built-in high-speed motor. The control buttons are also located there. Some models are equipped with all sorts of bowls and attachments (we’ll talk about the latter in more detail a little later). The hand blender is driven mechanically – hence the name. The user has to hold the blender with his hand while working while simultaneously pressing the button.
The device is equipped with speed switching buttons. Its immersion part is usually plastic or stainless steel. The rod ends with a two-cavity knife, protected by a cap around the circumference.
Its purpose is to protect the user and minimize the amount of splashes of the contents of the bowl (or vessel - products are whipped in any container, the main thing is that the height of the sides is sufficient).
The submersible device is multifunctional with several attachments. A blender will help you make purees for your baby, a delicious smoothie, fluffy cream, and chop or cut food into cubes. True, you will have to wash it exclusively by hand - there is no self-cleaning function.
Cocktail recipes for a blender: milkshake and “Anti-stress” cocktail
To prepare healthy tonic drinks in a blender, you need to carefully consider the composition of the ingredients, because if you put more or less than necessary, you will not achieve the desired result.
Quick banana milkshake
To prepare it you will need:
- milk - 1 l;
- overripe bananas - 3 pcs.;
- Creme brulee ice cream - 2 pcs.
Illustration | Description of action |
We check all the ingredients and prepare them: peel the bananas, remove the blackness if necessary. | |
Place the milk in the blender bowl. | |
Break three bananas in half and place in milk. | |
We send two ice creams to the ingredients, having first removed them from the cups. | |
We start the blender at first speed and process for 1 minute, then gradually increase the speed and also spend 1 minute on each. |
After cooking, pour the resulting product into glasses and, if desired, decorate with grated chocolate or a lemongrass or mint leaf.
Anti-stress drink
For preparation you need:
- cabbage - 1 cabbage;
- carrots - 3 pcs.;
- water - 1 tbsp.
Illustration | Description of action |
Wash the carrots and cabbage, peel and cut into cubes. | |
Place all ingredients in a blender bowl and add water. | |
Start the blender at maximum speed. We wait until the blender grinds everything until smooth and pour it into a glass. Bon appetit! |
It is advisable to use only young vegetables to prepare a vegetable cocktail; they contain more vitamins, and daily consumption of such a drink will forever relieve you of fatigue.
Cleaning and storing the device
Due to its small size, storing the device does not require much space . After use, the bowl, knives and motor of the device can be stored separately. Most modern shredders have a storage system that is thought out to the smallest detail. The design allows you to store the attachments by placing them like a pyramid.
Unlike a mechanical blender, the blender must be unplugged before cleaning. All parts of the shredder, except the motor, can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand under running water. Afterwards, all parts of the chopper must be dried with a towel.
Some types of choppers are equipped with knives built into the bowl and they are not removable. This prevents you from getting cut by the sharp blades, but makes cleaning the device more difficult. The motor part can be wiped from above with a damp cloth, if necessary. You can use the blender only after making sure that there is no moisture left on the elements in contact with the motor.
Smoothie recipes for weight loss for Blender
This drink option is suitable for those who care about their figure and want to maintain an attractive shape or lose a little weight for the summer season.
A smoothie is a drink with different flavors, so you can add any ingredients to it.
Ingredients:
- low-fat kefir - 1 tbsp.;
- green apple (Simirenko variety is suitable) - 1 pc.;
- kiwi - 1 pc.
Method of preparation: pour kefir into a blender container, peel the kiwi, cut into half circles and immerse in kefir. Wash the apple and remove the seeds, cut it into several parts and put it in a blender. You can also add chopped fresh parsley to the mixture. Start the blender at first speed and gradually increase it. Preparation time is 5-10 minutes, depending on what consistency you want the drink to be.
Grinding of solid products
Of course, not every blender is suitable for handling solid foods. Necessary nuances:
- presence of grinding degree adjustment;
- power from 500 W;
- overheat protection.
The equipment will not fail if you grind intermittently, allowing the engine to run for no more than one minute.
Sugar
You can turn sugar into powdered sugar using a hand blender or in a blender glass:
- sugar is poured into a completely dry container;
- turn on the second mode or higher;
- The powder is ready in a minute or two, depending on the volume.
For the submersible model, select a higher bowl or glass. As you grind, sugar dust will rise.
Nuts
The nuts are pre-dried in the oven or in a frying pan and then cooled. Peanuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts are peeled off by rubbing them wrapped in a towel. Almonds are cleaned before drying by pouring boiling water for 10 minutes.
If you need nut flour, you need to grind continuously. To obtain pieces, turn on the blender several times briefly for 5 seconds.
Ice
To crush ice, the blender must have an appropriate function, durable blades and a jug made of impact-resistant plastic. Ice crushing occurs in pulse mode. The most well-known companies producing reliable devices with this mode: Redmond, Bosh, Philips, Braun.
Coffee beans
Coffee can be ground with any blender that has an airtight blending container. The dishes must be completely dry. Medium speed is suitable for grinding. In a minute you will get medium ground coffee.
What sauce can be made in a blender: a delicious addition to side dishes
If you are tired of store-bought sauces made from unknown materials, we offer you the ideal option for cold gravies made in a blender.
Mustard Tartar sauce
To make a rich and thick sauce that is ideal for spaghetti, potatoes and shrimp, you will need:
- mustard - 1 tbsp. l.;
- lemon juice - 1 tbsp. l.;
- yolk - 1 pc.;
- vegetable oil - 100 ml;
- pickled cucumbers - 3 pcs.;
- green onions and parsley - several sprigs each;
- salt, pepper - to taste.
Add more grain mustard to get an original and beautiful sauce
Method of preparation: cut the greens into pieces and place in a container. We also send mustard, yolk, seasonings and chopped pickles here. Be sure to add vegetable oil at the very end. Start the blender and blend for 5 minutes.
Areas of use
A blender in the kitchen is at the same time a meat grinder, a chopper, a mixer, and a food processor. That is, you don’t need to have 4 different devices, you can replace everything with one compact device. It is very comfortable.
The main purpose of these units is domestic use. But sometimes they are also used by professional chefs in the kitchens of restaurants and cafes. They need them to prepare delicious desserts and snacks.
This device can be safely used for chopping raw or boiled vegetables, and you can also easily grind meat and fish in a blender.
Please note that what you use the device for will determine how it should work. For example, if you need to grind dry or hard products, then always let the device rest. Because if the motor runs continuously, it will get very hot and burn out from overload.
You can use an immersion blender not only to process products in the bowl that comes with it, but also in any other container that seems convenient for you.
But be careful. If you use a shallow bowl, you'll splatter pieces of processed food all over your kitchen.
Do not puree the soup immediately after removing it from the stove. Of course, the blender is not afraid that it is hot, but the knives can quickly become dull during such work. The same should be done with a stationary device. The material from which it is made can become dark when hot, and there is no way to clean it off.
What else can you quickly grind in a blender?
In a house where there is a blender, you can easily prepare various drinks, quick main courses and first courses. Of course, in addition to soups, cereals, and cocktails, the device can whip up more “serious” products, provided it has a high power rating and has additional knives for chopping.
Is it possible to whip cream in a blender if you don’t have a mixer?
Preparing protein and custard creams for pies in a blender requires special attention.
Using submersible and stationary blenders, you can prepare various creams for pies and cakes, as well as make sweet fillings for them. In this case, it is important to follow the recipes. Moreover, if you overbeat the beating or, conversely, spend too little time on it, you will not get the desired result.
Grind the onion in a blender for minced meat
Do not overdo it with grinding the onions in a blender; it is very difficult to remove the pungent odor from them.
To process onions in a blender thoroughly, you must first cut the heads into 4-5 parts. At the same time, your knives in the container must be well sharpened, since old worn-out attachments are not able to cope with such complex processing.
When there is no meat grinder, can a blender come to the rescue in preparing minced meat?
Chopping chicken in a blender will cause the knives to jam, as the veins and skin often get tangled around them
You can grind meat in a blender for minced meat if you prepare it first: remove all the veins, bones and skin. First you must cut the ingredient into cubes and place in portions in a bowl. Do not use too tough old meat for chopping; the blender will probably not have enough power to process it.
Dear visitors to our site, if you know interesting dishes that can be prepared in a blender or have prepared them yourself, share your experience in the comments. We are always happy to receive feedback!
Briefly about the additional functions of blenders
The number of additional functions does not always mean that a particular blender can undoubtedly be classified as a premium class; it often happens that budget models are equipped with several operating modes, have a large number of speeds, but in fact it turns out that there is practically no difference between them . Therefore, it makes sense to dwell in a little more detail on the truly useful “skills” of these gadgets.
Vacuum functions: mixing and packing
The feasibility of having a vacuum mixing function in a modern blender is the subject of debate among nutritionists and manufacturers of household appliances: the latter argue that in the process of grinding or mixing, a sufficient amount of nutrients so necessary for the human body deteriorates as a result of an oxidation reaction. To avoid this, after loading the products and closing the lid, the air is completely removed from the bowl by pumping it out of the work area.
What is the point of removing air from the bowl for a couple of minutes while the blender is running is not very clear, because after mixing and grinding is complete, the resulting products will again come into contact with air.
What is really useful is the presence of a vacuum pump in the blender, which looks more like another attachment that helps pack certain products for storage in the refrigerator. The harmfulness of oxidative reactions during long-term storage in modern “No Frost” refrigerators has long been proven, and one of the ways to significantly extend the shelf life of dishes and products is to use the most airtight packaging and containers. The function can also be used when preparing marinade in a blender.
Pulse mode and turbo mode
The purpose of this mode is one - more thorough grinding of solid products and prevention of jamming of working knives. The idea is simple: the nozzles used rotate a little faster than in normal mode, but at the same time they stop for short periods of time, giving the products the opportunity to settle to the bottom of the bowl.
Correct use of the mode has a positive effect on the service life of the knives and the device itself (the engine does not overheat due to grinding for too long, for example, nuts or ice), as well as on the quality of work in general.
Turbo mode is different in that it is activated by the blender only at the end of one or another automatic operating program and represents a short-term increase in speed parameters. It is usually used to achieve softness and tenderness in mixtures, purees and cocktails.
Power, number of speeds and their adjustment
Obviously, to chop different types of food, the knives must rotate at different speeds in order to successfully cope with harder or softer products. It should be understood that devices whose maximum power does not exceed 250-350 W are absolutely not suitable for chopping meat, ice or nuts, and are suitable exclusively for fruits, vegetables and preparing drinks.
As practice shows, stepwise speed control is available on most models whose power is above 500-700 W (while blenders with a motor power parameter above 1,200 W are comparable to food processors). This allows, firstly, to quickly cope with large volumes of products, and secondly, to use the blender on a wider scale.
A useful function can be a smooth adjustment of the operating speed of the device’s knives, which is aimed at manually selecting the optimal operating mode for the blender if automatic programs do not show the best results. For example, if you need to chop potatoes that are too hard, high-speed gear No. 1 is too slow, and No. 2 is too fast, so that the pieces simply do not have time to grind and are constantly in suspension.
Soup maker
Modern expensive models of blenders can be an addition to the same multicookers, if only because of the presence of such options. This function allows the owner not only to use the gadget for its intended purpose, but also for cooking and heating food.
Most devices have a heating operating range that varies between the standard 40°C and 100°C, as well as a maximum operating time in one mode or another, which is usually limited to two hours.