Just like a trusted ally, the right blender -- and the right blender recipes -- can change your life. First, you can use it to simplify prep, from chopping and dicing to making purees. Use it to mill your own flour from wheat, dried chickpeas, and more. As for recipes, you can use your blender to make smoothies, different kinds of milk made from nuts, salad dressings, sauces, and even vegan ice cream. It can also help you to enhance the flavors of ingredients and create precise textures.
If all this isn't enough, you can use your blender to make a surprising number of non-food items as well. How about a body scrub? Or skin care lotions? Compost, anyone? It's pretty amazing isn’t? All you need, aside from your trusty blender, is a handful of tried and true recipes.
What is a Blender, Anyway?
A blender chops, liquefies, or pulverizes food, depending on the setting. How is that different from a food processor? Generally, you use a blender if you're working with liquids, or close to liquids. Many people prefer a food processor for solids. There is a lot of overlap, though.
Different blenders for different blender recipes?
The different types of blenders include hand blenders, single serve blenders, full-size blenders, and specialty blenders. All of these blender types can be used with most blender recipes. However, some may lend themselves more to different kinds of cooking. For example, a hand blender will make easy work of soup, while for smoothies, a countertop blender is the best way to go.
Hand blenders
Also called stick blenders or immersion blenders, these go-to tools put power right in your hands. They fit perfectly into pots and casseroles and are easy to store.
Single serve blenders
These small tools are perfect for quick prep of small servings. Single serve blenders are the ideal choice for dorm living or apartments.
Full-size (countertop) blenders
A countertop staple, these blenders come in different designs for different uses. While looking for one consider the speeds, construction, motor, and settings.
Specialty blenders
Gourmet blenders, otherwise known as specialty blenders, offer more power, more professional performance, and a wider range of uses. These blenders are robust, durable and give you long-lasting professional performance.
How to Use a Blender
Blenders save you time, mess and cleanup. What's more, if you take proper care of them, many will last a long time. Here are some useful hints for getting the most out of your blender.
Operation
Avoid running the blender longer than necessary. Not all blenders are equipped with overload protection. For many tasks, the pulse function will suffice. Also, most blenders will work at optimum levels if they are about three-quarters full, so try not to overfill the jug. Add liquid ingredients first, then solid ones. Cut large food pieces into small ones to improve circulation and also to preserve the motor.
Motor protection and optimization
A blender's motor is delicate, and you can break it if you're not careful. To avoid burning out or breaking your motor, it's important to use common sense.
If the motor struggles, that means the blades are having a hard time with the jug contents. As soon as you hear the motor struggling, turn the blender off and stir. Let your blender come to a full stop before you change settings. Avoid mashing potatoes, whipping egg whites and heavy cream, grinding meats, processing dough, or blending hard vegetables in your machine.
Safety
Take care while blending hot liquids and never forget to wear your hand mitt to avoid burns.
Cleaning
Disassemble the jar and remove the blades to clean them carefully. Put a little dishwashing liquid and warm water in the jar before you start cleaning, and pulse to pre-clean. Rinse well. Never immerse the central unit in water; wipe it clean instead. If you’re uncertain, always consult your product manual and follow the recommended care instructions for your blender.
Easy and Healthy Blender Recipes
If you’re stuck in a rut and looking to add variety to your daily menu, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled some simple, quick and easy recipes with a short list of healthy ingredients that will liven up your routine.
Layered fruit smoothie
Recipe: Myrecipes
Recreate the essence of the tropics with this layered fruit smoothie. Mangoes contain the antioxidant zeaxanthin, which filters out harmful blue rays and protects your eyes. It also prevents macular degeneration. Mangoes are good for your skin, hair and even your bones.
Strawberries are antioxidant-rich fruits which provide you with a good dose of fiber, folic acid, potassium, and manganese. Honey helps to raise the good HDL cholesterol levels and helps to lower blood pressure. The antioxidants present in honey boost your heart health. This layered fruit smoothie is a thoroughly healthy recipe perfect for your family health.
Ingredients:
Method:
Blend the mango, yogurt, honey, lime juice, some ice cubes, and lime zest until smooth. Pour the smoothie into two glasses and set aside.
After rinsing your blender, whirl the strawberries, banana, yogurt, ice cubes, lemon juice, and lemon zest until creamy and smooth. Gently layer the banana, strawberry smoothie over the mango smoothie. Take care to spoon the mixture perfectly to create a bright horizontal line. Enjoy.
Coconut milk smoothie
Recipe: Myrecipes
Rich in vitamins B, C, and E and minerals like selenium, iron, and calcium, coconut milk is a popular choice for vegans. Coconut milk also aids in digestion which makes this smoothie a healthy one. Bananas contain potent antioxidants and support your heart health. They significantly improve your digestive health and even helps in weight loss. Yogurt contains calcium, potassium, protein and phosphorous. These are the vital nutrients essential for bone health. Berries, loaded with antioxidants, fight inflammation. These little miracle fruits add a glow to your skin and make it soft and supple.
Ingredients:
Method:
Blend the blueberries, bananas, yogurt, honey and coconut milk in a blender. Pour in tall glasses and serve.
Carrot, potato, and cabbage soup
Recipe: Allrecipes
This nutritious soup is easy to prepare and freeze. You can even double the recipe ingredients and keep it in the freezer. Carrots are a significant source of beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin K, fiber and antioxidants. With just 110 calories potatoes not only supply half of your RDA of vitamin C but is also rich in potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants. Cabbage lowers inflammation, improves digestion and may even help to lower bad cholesterol.
Ingredients:
Method:
Combine all the ingredients in a stock pot, simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Gently transfer the contents to a blender in small batches and thoroughly blend until smooth.
Lentil soup with lemon
Recipe source: Allrecipes
This soup includes carrot, chicken broth, spices, onion and a dash of lemon. Lentils are excellent sources of folate and manganese perfectly suited for women and growing kids. Lentils support your heart health, may lower the risk of cancer, fight fatigue, and improve digestion. Moreover, lentil soup is easy to prepare and highly nutritious.
Ingredients:
Method:
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook for five minutes. Stir in the cumin, tomato paste, kosher salt, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook until the spices give off a pleasant fragrance.
Stir in the lentils, chicken broth and carrots. Allow the contents to boil and simmer for about 30 minutes. Pour the soup in batches into the blender and blend it using few quick pulses until you get a puree. If you're using a stick blender, you can puree the soup directly in the cooking pot. Avoid pureeing all of the soup and leave it a little chunky.
Mix in the lemon juice and cilantro. Drizzle some olive oil and finally, season it with black pepper.
Homemade pumpkin spiced latte
Recipe source: Allrecipes
Zippy, the creator of this delicious pumpkin, spiced latte recipe writes that her husband is obsessed with Starbucks Spiced Pumpkin Latte. She created this recipe so they won’t go broke. She has prepared this delicious drink many times for guests, and she’s become famous within her extended family. The best part of this recipe is you don’t need an espresso machine.
Ingredients:
Method:
Mix the sugar, hot milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a blender and blend the contents until frothy. Gently pour the drink into three coffee mugs to about two-thirds full. Now add two ounces of coffee to each cup. Finally, garnish with whipped topping and pumpkin pie spice.
Quick blender coconut pie
Recipe source: Family circle
Enjoy this scrumptious, smooth low-calorie pie that is easy and quick to prepare. It’s especially easy because there’s no crust to roll.
Ingredients:
Method:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a nine-inch pie plate and grease and flour evenly.
Add eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, butter, coconut extract, and salt to the blender and whirl for three minutes. Slowly pour the batter into the prepared pie plate.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for fifty-five minutes. Allow the coconut pie to cool on a wire rack. Finally, garnish with raspberries and shredded coconut and enjoy.
Frozen yogurt peach pops
Recipe: Betty Crocker Kitchens
Your kids will love this frozen fruity pops. These easy to prepare frozen delicacies are a perfect way to satisfy your kids' hunger.
Ingredients:
Method:
Add the thawed peaches, yogurt and sugar in a blender and blend until it’s smooth and fluffy. Use medium speed. Inbetween the blending stop the blender and scrape down the sides.
Uniformly divide the mixture into paper cups. Use foil to cover the cups. Slowly insert craft sticks into center of each pop. Alternatively, you can also use pop molds. Freeze and enjoy with your kids.
Remember, home is where the heart is. You may be a busy parent, but you can still make your mealtimes special with our easy blender recipes.
