How to use a blender: what is it for and what can be cooked with it + video with simple recipes

A blender is a multifunctional device that allows you to chop, mix and whisk products.

Moreover, the full range of its capabilities varies significantly depending on the type of device.

Consider why this device is needed and who invented it, what kinds of it exist and what it does, as well as what dishes can be prepared using this device.

What is a blender and who invented it?

The word blender comes from the English blender - mix. This unit is one of the oldest units for the kitchen. Only a meat grinder is older than him (25 years old).

The first such device was invented in Stephen Poplavsky in 1922. The idea of ​​this device came to him in an attempt to automate the preparation of the drink "soda fountain ». In the USSR, such a drink was known as "soda with syrup," which was everywhere sold in special machines.

The first of these units was a container on a stand. At the bottom of the bowl was a knife similar to a propeller, which could only mix the ingredients but not cut it. In fact, this was the first prototype of a stationary blender.

A modern blender can easily replace a food processor. Its main advantage is that it is quite small-sized and easy to handle, which allows it to be used without unnecessary effort. With the help of this unit, it is easy to grind, chop and whip the ingredients for dishes.

Types of devices and their differences

Existing types of blenders:

• submersible;
• stationary.

A stationary blender is a device that consists of a technical unit and a glass for mixing with knives from below.

The advantage of this type of device is that, unlike a submersible blender, you do not need to constantly hold the device in your hands to grind products.

The disadvantage of a stationary blender is that you can only mix the ingredients attached bowl. But he is great for making various cocktails and smoothies.

The hand blender differs from the stationary one in a wider functionality. The device consists of two parts of the hardware unit and nozzle, while the number and functionality of nozzles may be different.

Pros of a hand blender:

• You can grind food in any dish resistant to mechanical stress, which allows you to work with any volume of ingredients
• A large number of nozzles that expand functionality (whisk, chopper, etc.)
• It does not take up much space in the kitchen

Disadvantages:

• You must always hold the device in your hands
• Not suitable for preparing liquid dishes.

Bowls and containers of blenders can be made of plastic, glass and metal. At the same time, glass with careful handling is the most durable and environmentally friendly. Nozzles are made of stainless steel or plastic.

As a result, the difference between devices in grinding products is for different purposes. Stationary is better at mixing and whipping liquid consistencies, and submersible with cutting and grinding more solid products.

Useful Blender Features

Here are the most popular blender features:

• Mixing - One of the most popular functions allows you to mix and whisk liquids and suspensions at the same time until smooth. This function is basic for stationary appliances.
• Shredder and Slicer - allows you to grind products to the required consistency. In some models, the duration and intensity of the slices can be controlled manually, which allows to achieve the optimal consistency of products for each dish from slicing to mashed potatoes.
• Whipping - Many hand blenders have this mode thanks to the whisk nozzle. It allows in some cases to replace the mixer, but the power is still inferior to it.

Additional functions and features:

• Splitting ice.
• Preparation of mixtures in a vacuum environment (allows you to keep the freshness of cocktails longer).
• Speed ​​adjustment and turbo mode (allows you to control the speed and intensity of the device).
• Rubbing food directly into the cooking bowl thanks to the grater attachment.
• In expensive models there is a function of kneading dough with the help of special nozzles "hooks". Thanks to them, the dough is kneading evenly and does not stick to the walls of the bowl.

What can be cooked in a blender?

Using a blender, you can cook a huge number of dishes:

• mashed soups;
• cocktails;
• sauces;
• salads;
• various desserts.

Here are some of the most popular dishes and the general principle of making mashed soups.

The principle of preparation of mashed soups on the example of mushroom cream soup

In order to prepare mushroom cream soup with champignons, you need:

• 500 grams of potatoes of any size.
• 150 grams of onions.
• 600 grams of water.
• 250 grams of mushrooms (fresh or frozen).
• 200 grams of cream 10-20% fat.
• salt (at its discretion).

At the beginning, onion is chopped into small cubes and fried in refined vegetable oil for 5 minutes at medium temperature until golden brown.

Mushrooms are cut into medium pieces (several pieces can be cut along the “mushroom shape” for decoration). Chopped champignons are added to the fried onions and fried together for 7-10 minutes to enhance the taste and aroma.

Next, a pot of water is placed on the stove and potatoes are prepared (peeled and cut to the size of a walnut). After boiling, the potatoes are thrown into the water and cooked until tender for about 15 minutes.

After that, add the onion-mushroom mixture to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes, and then chop the pieces of vegetables in the soup with a blender to a puree condition.

The last step is to add cream to the prepared mixture and stirring to a boil. The dish is decorated with slices of fried mushrooms and herbs.

Curd

The recipe for the curd is extremely simple.

To make curd, you must:

• about 500 grams of cottage cheese
• 4-5 large spoons of sour cream
• salt and sugar to taste

Proportions are approximate and subject to change. Also, if desired, you can add various berries and jam.

A submersible blender handles this dish best. All ingredients are loaded into the dishes and grind to a homogeneous mass within 2-3 minutes.

Milkshake

A stationary blender will do better with a milkshake.

The principle of its preparation is to whip milk and ice cream with various fillers. In this case, the ratio of ingredients can be very different depending on preferences. For example, for a classic milkshake, a glass of milk and a couple of balls of cream ice cream will be enough.

Of course, this is not all that can be prepared using a blender, there is hundreds of recipes using this appliance.

What can be chopped in a blender?

A variety of ingredients can be ground in a blender.

The most popular of them are:

• Vegetables, fruits and berries - cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, eggplant, zucchini, onions, pumpkin, apple, bananas, pears, etc. Almost any berries can be chopped. It is important to mention that when making mashed potatoes from a boiled potato with a blender, it becomes more viscous and dense due to starch and what consistency not everyone will like. You should also refrain from blending apples with metal nozzles, as in contact with metal, the apple oxidizes and changes taste.
• Various greens - parsley, dill, green onions.
• Nuts - peanuts, walnuts, cashews, almonds and others. However, they can be crushed to a paste.
• Meat - beef, pork, veal, lamb. The resulting minced meat has a slightly different, denser consistency, which makes the cooked meat more uniform, but less juicy.
• Also, a blender can be used as a coffee grinder - grind coffee, and crack ice in the presence of a special grinder.

The most important terms of use

Fundamental rules:

• It is forbidden to wash the base handles and racks with the motor under running water or immerse them in it in any way, since the liquid will damage the components of the electronics. To clean these parts, use a well-wrung out damp cloth or a special cloth to care for the equipment.
• If a burning smell develops during operation, turn off the device immediately.
• Do not use the malfunctioning device; in the event of a breakdown, take it to a qualified service technician.
• Do not use the blender with children or persons who do not have safe handling skills.
• When operating the blender, do not put your fingers into the container with the appliance in operation, and be careful when washing, as the knives are very sharp.

General step by step instructions

Instructions on how to use a stationary blender:

1. Connect the motor rack to the mains
2. Put food in the mixing bowl without exceeding the maximum allowable mark
3. Attach the filled bowl to the motor block and be sure to cover
4. Turn on the device using the necessary mode, following the time recommended for continuous operation (it varies for devices from different manufacturers, usually 2-3 minutes)
5. At the end of mixing, pour the resulting mixture into a container, and gently wash the bowl and wipe dry
6. After use, unplug the device

Instructions for the submersible blender:

1. Attach the necessary nozzle to the blender
2. Connect the base handle with the motor to the mains
3. Put food in a scratch resistant container
4. Turn on the device using the necessary mode, following the time recommended for continuous operation (it varies for devices from different manufacturers, usually 2-3 minutes)
5. When mixing or grinding is completed, unplug the appliance
6. Disconnect the nozzle from the handle-base for subsequent washing

If you observe the correct mode of operation, your blender will remain an indispensable assistant in the kitchen for a long time and will last for many years.

Useful video

The video contains interesting recipes for the blender: