Using An Immersion Blender: Cooking Do's And Don'ts

Immersion blenders are a handy kitchen tool with a variety of uses. They can be used for blending, pureeing, and emulsifying, and are especially useful for making liquid recipes such as soups, purees, smoothies, and condiments. One of the key benefits of an immersion blender is that it can be used directly in the pot or bowl you are using for cooking, eliminating the need to transfer hot liquids and reducing the number of dishes. This makes it ideal for blending while food is cooking or still hot. However, it is important to note that some immersion blenders may not be suitable for use with hot foods, and it is always recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for safe use.

Pureeing soups

To puree soups with an immersion blender, simply submerge the blade in the soup and switch the device on. Move the blender around the pot to ensure all the contents are blended, keeping the blade submerged to avoid splatters. It's important to note that you should avoid scraping the bottom or sides of the pot with the blade, especially if it has a non-stick surface. You can do this by slightly angling the blender or tilting the pot.

Immersion blenders are also great for making frothy foam on cream soups as they incorporate more air into the mixture than traditional blenders. They can be used for a variety of soups, including broccoli-leek soup, black bean soup, carrot soup, and wild mushroom soup.

When choosing an immersion blender, look for one with variable speeds so you can have more control over the blending process. Some models also come with attachments like whisks, beaters, milk frothers, and choppers, which increase their versatility.

Making dips

An immersion blender is a versatile tool that can be used to make dips with a lush, velvety texture. Here are some tips and tricks for making dips with an immersion blender:

Choosing the Right Blender

When selecting an immersion blender, consider the type of dips you want to make. Some blenders come with accessories that allow for more functionality, such as chopping nuts or vegetables, or whisking. If you plan to make dips with chunky toppings, look for a blender with variable speed settings. Additionally, cordless blenders offer more flexibility and freedom of movement, but corded models may support a more powerful motor and are generally more affordable.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before blending, ensure the ingredients are in a container that is approximately ⅔ full to allow for movement and prevent splatters. For blending small amounts, use a tall and narrow container. If you're whipping ingredients, fill the container halfway to provide room for expansion. When blending dips like hummus, it's important to evenly coat the solid base (e.g., chickpeas) with soft or liquid ingredients (e.g., tahini, Greek yogurt) to help the blender's blades move through the solids more easily.

Blending Techniques

When blending, start with a lower speed setting and gradually increase if needed. Keep the blades below the surface of the ingredients to prevent splatters and ensure even blending. For dips with a smooth and chunky texture, blend at a slight angle and in intervals. For aerating ingredients, move the blades more quickly and in all directions while keeping them below the surface.

Safety and Cleaning

Always exercise caution when using an immersion blender. Unplug the blender and unclog any gummed-up blades with a spoon. Clean the blender by rinsing the blades and arm immediately after use and washing with hot, soapy water. Most hand blenders have removable, dishwasher-safe parts, making cleanup easier.

Blending smoothies

To make a smoothie, add your ingredients into your container in the opposite order to a standard blender. Start with the ice, followed by your fruits and vegetables, liquids, fats, and any flavour or nutrition boosters. This will help the blades to come into contact with the ice first and the fruit last, making the blending process smoother.

Attach the basic multipurpose blade to your blender, and add a pan guard if you're concerned about the blades touching your glass. Move the blender up and down in the cup as you blend to ensure all the ingredients are mixed.

Once you've blended your ingredients, add the ice cubes and blend until smooth. Start with a lower speed, and move up as needed. You can then add in any extra ingredients to boost flavour or nutrition, such as spices, honey, or powders.

Here's a basic immersion blender smoothie recipe:

• 2 parts fresh or frozen fruit (e.g. berries, bananas, mango, pineapple)
• 1 part vegetables (e.g. spinach, kale, arugula, cauliflower)
• 1/4 part liquids (e.g. milk, alternative milks, coconut water, juice, kombucha)
• 1/4 part fat (e.g. avocado, nuts, nut butters, oils)
• Flavour and nutrition boosters (e.g. cinnamon, honey, protein powder)

Emulsifying sauces

An immersion blender is a handy tool for emulsifying hard-to-blend liquids like oil and water. It can be used to emulsify sauces, such as aioli, directly in a pot or mixing bowl, eliminating the need for a countertop blender and making cleanup easier. Here are some tips for emulsifying sauces with an immersion blender:

• Choose an immersion blender with multiple speed settings. This will allow you to control the consistency of your sauce, from chunky to smooth. For a chunkier sauce, use a low speed, and for a smoother sauce, use a higher speed.
• Ensure that your ingredients are cooked before blending. This is especially important if you are working with raw eggs, as blending them thoroughly will reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
• Use a deep container to avoid splatters. A tall jar or blending jug is ideal, but if you are blending directly in a pot, choose one that is large enough to contain the contents and prevent splashing.
• Always submerge the blade completely before turning on the blender. This will help to avoid splatters and ensure that all the ingredients are blended evenly.
• Move the blender around the container to mix all the contents thoroughly. Angle the blender or tilt the pot to avoid scratching the bottom or sides.
• For thick sauces, you may need to blend for a longer period of time or in intervals to give the blender a rest and prevent overheating.
• Clean your immersion blender promptly after use. Detach the motorized top from the blade and wash the blade with dish soap and water.

By following these tips, you can easily emulsify sauces with your immersion blender, creating delicious and smooth condiments for your meals.

Blending in the pot

One of the main advantages of using an immersion blender is the ability to blend directly in the pot, eliminating the need to transfer hot liquids to a separate blender. This not only saves time and effort but also reduces the number of dishes to wash. It gives you more control over the texture of your dish, allowing you to create a smooth and creamy consistency without any lumps.

When using an immersion blender in the pot, it is important to follow certain tips for optimal results and safety:

• Avoid pot scratches: Be careful not to scrape the bottom or sides of the pot, especially if it has a non-stick surface. Angle the blender slightly or tilt the pot to avoid scratches.
• Beware of pot suction: Immerse the blade completely into the food before turning it on, and blend a few inches from the bottom to prevent the blender from sticking to the food and causing suction.
• Mind the cord: Place the pot near an outlet and position the blender cord accordingly to avoid tangles while cooking.
• Keep blades submerged: Always keep the blades submerged to avoid splatters and ensure even blending.
• Start blending slowly: It is recommended to start with a lower speed setting and gradually increase if needed to prevent splatters.
• Move the blades properly: For a smooth blend, move the blades slowly and at a slight angle. For a smooth and chunky combination, blend in short intervals in different spots.

An immersion blender is ideal for blending soups, pureeing fruits and vegetables, making dips like hummus, creating smooth batters, and even mixing salad dressings and marinades. It is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of recipes, from savoury dishes to sweet treats.

Frequently asked questions