Immersion blenders (also commonly referred to as hand blenders) have got to be one of the most underrated tools in the kitchen. If you think that you need a large and fancy blender to attempt delicious recipes, we’re here to prove you wrong. A hand blender is a versatile, compact, and trusty companion in the kitchen, especially for anyone who lives in an apartment or simply lacks the counter space for larger appliances.
We’ll be sharing 5 simple recipes that you can master with the help of your humble hand blender below, so sit tight and get ready to develop a newfound appreciation for this quintessential kitchen appliance!
Vegan Mayonnaise
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sunflower or canola oil (250 ml), I used sunflower oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk (125 ml)
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Method:
- Start by ensuring the oil is at the same temperature as the milk. You’re welcome to mix these ingredients cold, but room-temperature milk and oil tend to be the easiest to work with.
- Combine all the ingredients in your hand blender cup and then place the blender in, so that way it sits firmly on the bottom of the cup.
- Pulse until the mayo emulsifies. Once most of the mixture has been emulsified, you can move the blender up and down to incorporate any oil that is sitting on the top.
- Use immediately or refrigerate for a few hours until cold.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container or a jar in the fridge for about 4-7 days.
2. Blender Banana Muffins
Ingredients:
- 3 large, ripe bananas
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 c. peanut butter
- 1/4 c. honey
- 3/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/3 c. chocolate chips
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Combine bananas, eggs, peanut butter, honey, baking powder, and vanilla extract in a bowl, and then use your hand blender to process until smooth.
- Divide among muffin cups, sprinkle with chocolate chips, and bake for 16 to 18 minutes until puffed and lightly browned.
3. Simple Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- ½ of one large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon yellow miso paste
- 1.25 liters of vegetable broth
- 4 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 2 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 400g tin of Coconut Milk
Method:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil to medium. Add onions and sauté 5 minutes, until translucent and softened. Add garlic and sauté 2-3 minutes.
- Add miso and stir to combine. Carefully pour broth into the pot and stir. Add sweet potatoes and seasonings – salt, pepper, and ginger.
- Bring to a low boil, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. It is finished when sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and pour in coconut milk.
- Use a hand blender directly in the pot and blend until smooth.
- Serve hot with a fresh sprinkle of black pepper.
4. Whipped Feta Dip
Ingredients:
- 250g feta cheese
- 170g Greek yogurt
- 1 medium clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
- Using a tall and narrow vessel suitable for a hand blender, combine feta, yogurt, and garlic, then blend or process until very smooth, scraping down sides as necessary. Add olive oil and blend until incorporated.
- If desired, pass spread through a fine-mesh strainer for an even silkier texture.
- Season with salt, if needed, and pepper, if using, then use as desired.
5. 10 Minute Salsa Verde
Ingredients:
- 10 green tomatoes, quartered
- 1 jalapeno pepper, halved and seeded
- 2 garlic cloves, unpeeled
- 2 tbsp lime juice approx. 1 lime
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Method:
- Preheat the grill to high and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Place the green tomatoes, jalapeño, and unpeeled garlic cloves on the baking sheet and place into the oven to broil for 5-10 minutes, or until nicely charred.
- Transfer everything to a bowl, add coriander, lime juice, and sea salt and blend till smooth with a hand blender (don’t forget to remove the peel from the garlic).
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And there you have it — 5 amazingly simple and impressive recipes that you can attempt with the help of your trusty hand blender! What are some of your favorite ways to use a hand blender? Don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know!
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