The Savory Side of Blenders

Many of us only think of cold drinks or desserts when we consider the uses of a blender. We often overlook the multitude of savory recipes that the blender can be used for. By utilizing a blender for more than cold food items, we can increase the value of the appliance as well as our cooking repertoire.

Soup Preparation with a Blender

A blender can aid in the preparation of just about any soup recipe from the creamy to the chunky. Instead of chopping ingredients on a chopping board and loosing valuable flavors and juices, use a blender to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.

Some blenders have very high wattage that can allow the soup to even cook right in the mixing vessel. This really only applies to creamy soups that can be blended for longer than the chunky ones.

There are also good recipes for cold soups like Gazpacho or Vichyssoise for which the blender is necessary. Making homemade soups not only saves money but is a creative way to use leftovers. Special diets such as low-sodium or diabetic also benefit from the control the chef has over seasoning and ingredients.

Sauce Preparation with a Blender

The modern home kitchen rarely sees sauce or gravy preparation. Most of us choose store bought options instead of the seemingly complex and time consuming task of preparing sauces ourselves. If you stop to think about the barbeque, tartar and various other sauces we buy at least monthly, a lot of money can be saved by making these at home. Recipes abound for sauces but a blender also affords the user a perfect way to experiment and discover signature sauces that are original and healthier.

Salsa Preparation in a Blender

Another popular and expensive treat most of us leave in the hands of mass production is salsa. This simple and easy-to-prepare essential for Mexican-inspired meals is twice as easy and flavorful when prepared in a blender. By doing it yourself, the more authentic “pico de gallo” type of salsa can be achieved by simply blending fresh onions, tomatoes, garlic and cilantro in the blender. The results are far more enjoyable and impressive than the over-priced jars sold in stores.

Contents for Wraps and Sandwiches

There are a surprising number of recipes featuring the use of a blender to yield the contents for tasty wraps and sandwiches. Using a blender to mix skinless and boneless chicken or turkey along with lettuce, tomato, and a host of other chosen ingredients can make meals fun and easier to serve than compiling them individually.