How to use a blender: what it is needed for and what you can cook with it + video with simple recipes

Blender is an incredibly versatile appliance that provides the ability to slice, blend, and beat various ingredients.

However, depending on the specific type of blender, the range of functions it offers can vary greatly.

Let’s explore the reasons why owning a blender is beneficial, delve into the history of its invention, examine different types of blenders and their individual capabilities, and discover the multitude of dishes that can be effortlessly prepared using this incredible appliance.

What is a blender and who invented it?

The term "blender" is derived from the English word blender, which means to mix. This kitchen tool is one of the oldest appliances in existence, with the exception of the meat grinder, which predates it by 25 years.

The original concept for the blender was developed by Stephen Poplawski in 1922. He came up with the idea while attempting to automate the preparation of the beverage known as "soda fountain". In the Soviet Union, this drink was commonly referred to as "soda with syrup" and was widely available in specialized vending machines.

The earliest version of this machine consisted of a bowl mounted on a stand, with a blade resembling a propeller at the bottom. The blade was designed to mix the ingredients together rather than cut them. This can be considered the first iteration of a stationary blender.

During the Prohibition era in the United States, the consumption of alcohol in establishments became a covert affair, and it was typically served as part of cocktails to avoid attention from law enforcement. Bartenders at the time relied on blenders to automate the process of drink preparation and keep up with the high demand.

Fast forward to today, modern blenders have evolved to the point where they can effectively replace food processors. One of the main advantages of a blender is its compact size and ease of use, making it a convenient kitchen tool. With a blender, you can effortlessly chop, slice, and whip ingredients for various dishes.

Types of devices and their differences

The current varieties of blenders include:

• Immersion blenders;
• Stationary blenders.

The stationary blender is a device that comprises of a technical unit and a blending cup with blades located at the bottom.

One advantage of this type of blender is that you don’t have to continuously hold the device in your hands to grind ingredients, unlike with an immersion blender.

However, a drawback of the stationary blender is that you can only mix ingredients with the attached bowl. Nonetheless, it is ideal for preparing various cocktails and smoothies.

The immersion blender sets itself apart from the stationary blender with its broader range of functionality. This appliance consists of a two-part hardware unit and an attachment, with the number and functionality of the attachments varying.

Advantages of an immersion blender:

• One can pulverize products in any dishes that are resistant to mechanical impact, hence enabling one to work with any volume of ingredients.
• A wide range of attachments is available to expand the functionality of the blender, including a whisk, chopper, and more.
• It doesn’t take up much space in the kitchen.

Disadvantages:

• The device needs to be constantly held in your hands.
• It is not suitable for preparing liquid dishes.

Bowls and containers of blenders can be made of plastic, glass, or metal. Among them, glass is the most durable and environmentally friendly if handled with caution. The attachments are typically made of stainless steel or plastic.

Professional blenders are a unique type of appliance. They possess large bowls, significant power, and exceptional reliability, but their cost is considerably higher. Additionally, as the name suggests, these devices are suitable not only for residential use but also for commercial purposes.

To summarize, the distinction between these devices lies in their ability to pulverize various products, depending on their intended purpose. Stationary blenders excel at mixing and whipping liquid consistencies, while immersion blenders are superior at slicing and grinding more solid ingredients.

Useful functions of blenders

Here are the most popular functions of a blender:

• Blending – one of the most commonly used functions that allows you to blend and whip liquids and suspensions simultaneously to achieve a smooth consistency. This function is essential for stationary blenders.
• Shredding and slicing – enables you to chop ingredients to your desired texture. Some models offer manual control over the duration and intensity of slicing, allowing you to achieve the perfect consistency for each dish, from thinly sliced to pureed.
• Whipping – many hand blenders include a whisk attachment for this function. While it can replace a mixer in some cases, it is still not as powerful.

Additional functions and features:

• Ice Crusher.
• The appliance has speed control and turbo mode, giving you the ability to adjust the speed and intensity.
• The grater attachment allows you to grate food directly into the cooking bowl.
• Higher-end models include special attachments called "hooks" that can knead dough, ensuring even kneading and preventing it from sticking to the bowl walls.

What can be cooked in a blender?

Using a blender, you have the ability to create a wide array of meals:

• creamy soups;
• blended drinks;
• condiments;
• tossed greens;
• a variety of sweets.

Below you can find a selection of beloved dishes, along with the basic method for preparing creamy soups.

The principle of cooking puree soups on the example of mushroom cream soup

To make mushroom cream soup, you will 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 with 10-20% fat content.
• Salt to taste.

To start, finely chop the onions and sauté them in vegetable oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until golden brown.

Next, cut the mushrooms into medium-sized pieces (you can also cut a few pieces lengthwise to resemble mushrooms for decoration). Add the mushrooms to the sautéed onions and cook together for 7-10 minutes to enhance the flavor and aroma.

Once the mixture of onion and mushroom has been added to the pot and cooked for an additional 5 minutes, proceed by blending the vegetables in the soup until they form a smooth puree.

The final step involves adding cream to the mixture and stirring it until it reaches a boiling point. To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with pieces of fried mushrooms and fresh greens.

The general method for preparing such soups involves transforming solid ingredients into a uniform puree-like texture, with the choice of base ranging from vegetables, like in this particular recipe, to a broth-based option.

Curd mass

The method of cooking the curd mass is extremely straightforward.

To create a curd mass, you will require:

• approximately 500 grams of cottage cheese
• 4-5 large spoons of sour cream
• salt and sugar to your preference

The proportions are rough and can be adjusted. Additionally, if desired, you can incorporate a variety of berries and jam.

The most effective approach to preparing this dish is with an immersion blender. All of the ingredients are loaded into the container and blended until a smooth consistency is achieved, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.

Milkshake

If you want to make a milkshake, a stationary blender is the best option.

The process involves blending milk and ice cream together with different additives. The proportions of the ingredients can vary depending on personal preferences. For a classic milkshake, a glass of milk and a few scoops of cream ice cream will suffice.

However, a blender can be used for a variety of other recipes as well, with countless options available to explore.

What can be chopped in a blender?

There are numerous ingredients that can be diced using a blender.

The most popular ones include:

• Vegetables, fruits, and berries – cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, eggplant, zucchini, onions, pumpkin, apple, bananas, pears, etc. Berries can be diced into almost anything. It is important to note that when potatoes are boiled and mashed using a blender, the resulting texture becomes more viscous and dense due to starch, which may not be to everyone’s liking. It is also advisable to avoid blending apples with metal attachments as the apple can oxidize and alter the taste.
• Various herbs – parsley, dill, green onions.
• Nuts – peanuts, walnuts, cashews, almonds, and others. They can be crushed into a paste-like consistency.
• Moreover, a blender has the versatility to function as a coffee grinder, effectively grinding coffee beans and even crushing ice with the help of a dedicated chopper.

To achieve optimal results, it is advisable to pre-cut all ingredients into manageable pieces, particularly those with a significant level of hardness.

The most important rules of use

• Under no circumstances should you wash the base handles and motorized stands under running water or immerse them in water, as this can cause damage to the electronics components. Instead, clean these parts using a well wrung out damp cloth or a special care cloth.
• If you notice a burning smell during operation, turn off the device immediately.
• Avoid using a defective appliance and bring it to a qualified technician or service center for repair.
• Keep the blender out of reach of children and individuals who are not proficient in safely operating the appliance.
• When using the blender, be cautious of your fingers and keep them away from the container while the appliance is running. Also, exercise care when cleaning the blades as they are extremely sharp.

It is extremely important to handle the device in strict accordance with these rules of operation, as failure to comply with them may result in injury and damage to the device.

Instructions for using a stationary blender correctly:

1. Connect the base unit to the power source.
2. Place the ingredients into the blending container, making sure not to exceed the maximum indicated level.
3. Securely attach the filled container to the motorized unit and cover with the lid.
4. Turn on the device, selecting the appropriate mode, and observe the recommended operating time (this may vary depending on the manufacturer, usually 2-3 minutes).
5. After blending, pour the mixture into a separate container and carefully clean and dry the blending container.
6. Unplug the device after use.

Instructions for using an immersion blender:

1. Attach the desired attachment to the blender.
2. Plug the base handle with the motor into a power outlet.
3. Store the food in a container that is resistant to scratches.
4. Activate the device using the appropriate mode and keep an eye on the recommended duration for continuous use (this duration may vary for different device brands, but it is typically around 2-3 minutes).
5. After the mixing or chopping is completed, disconnect the device from the power source.
6. Detach the attachment from the base handle in order to clean it.

If you follow these operating instructions, your blender will serve as an indispensable kitchen companion for a long time to come.

Useful video

The video provides fascinating blender recipes.