You probably know the hand blender as a blender or under other names. Regardless of what you call it, it is certainly a versatile and extremely useful utensil in the kitchen. An electric button on the handle activates a rotating blade or other accessory, transforming many of the jobs that are done in the kitchen into child's play. After learning how to use a hand blender, you will find that there are many recipes to use it for.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Put an Immersion Blender into Operation
Step 1. Assemble the blender
The steps required may vary by model. Many have a clamp that clicks when the various parts are assembled correctly, while others have accessories that screw on. To mount the appliance, follow this procedure:
- Attach the motor body, which is the heaviest component, to the blender attachment. Firmly secure the two parts.
- If you can't connect the accessory easily, press the release button.
Step 2. Plug in the power cord
Choose an outlet that is far enough away so that you don't clutter your work area and run the risk of severing the cord while using the blender, thus creating a dangerous situation. If the cord is unmanageable, you can use a heavy object, such as a tureen, to hold it steady and in place.
Step 3. Place the blender in the bowl containing the ingredients you intend to blend
The appliance must be completely covered in the mixture, otherwise you will end up with food scattered all over the kitchen.
Step 4. Blend the mixture
Press the switch to activate the appliance. Many blenders have only one speed, often indicated by "ON." Be careful to keep the part with the blades inside the mixture, to prevent the food from spreading all over the place.
- While blending, move the appliance up and down. This will allow you to obtain a well-blended mixture with a smooth consistency.
- For resistant ingredients, such as vegetables, or thick compounds, such as certain soups, it may be necessary to blend for some time before obtaining a smooth and uniform mixture.
- Operating the appliance for an extended period of time can damage it. Try to blend at intervals of 30, maximum 50 seconds.
Step 5. As soon as you are finished using it, unplug the appliance from the mains
If the blender is operated while it is not immersed in the mixture, it can be very dangerous. To avoid accidental damage or injury, unplug the blender as soon as you're done using it.
Method 2 of 3: Use an Immersion Blender Safely
Step 1. Do not use non-stick pans or glassware
Upon contact with the blender blades, the glass can chip or shatter. In this case, you are forced to throw away all the ingredients, otherwise you risk swallowing glass shards, which can be lethal. The coating on non-stick pans can also chip and get into the mixture. If ingested, it is harmful to health.
The ideal material of the container in which to operate an immersion blender is stainless steel
Step 2. While blending, hold the motor of the appliance above the liquid
If you introduce it into the compound, the engine can burn, electrical components can short-circuit, and you can be hit by an electric shock. Even if the container is particularly deep, avoid introducing the motor body inside the compound.
Step 3. Unplug the appliance when cleaning it
Always unplug the appliance before you start cleaning it. When cleaning, never immerse the blender motor in water. Instead, use a sponge with a mild detergent or a damp cloth. The blender column can be washed in warm water with a mild detergent.
Pay close attention to the blade area when cleaning. They are very sharp and it is very easy to cut yourself
Step 4. Store the device in a safe place
It has a structure that makes it easy to use even for children, who might mistake it for a toy. This can be very dangerous, so keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children, such as on the highest shelves of a cabinet.
Method 3 of 3: Making Recipes with a Hand Blender
Step 1. Use the blender to make a sauce
If you want to avoid lumpy sauces, a hand blender is ideal, as it can make smooth, even sauces in the blink of an eye. Place the tomatoes, onion, garlic, chilli, coriander and a pinch of salt and pepper in a tall, narrow stainless steel bowl. Then move the blender up and down until the mixture reaches the consistency you want.
- Decide the quantity of ingredients according to your tastes. For example, if you prefer spicy sauces, use more chili.
- It is advisable to add the tomatoes last. That way they'll be on top of everything and blended first, releasing liquids that make it easier to blend all the other ingredients.
- Keep the appliance straight while using it. Even if you use a suitable container, tilting the blender excessively can cause food to splash all over the place.
Step 2. Make a quick pesto
Put basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper in a tall, narrow container of stainless steel. Hold the part with the blades straight and blend the pesto ingredients in an up and down motion.
Here is a simple recipe: 2 cups full of fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, 2/3 cup of extra virgin oil
Step 3. Stir the mixture quickly and efficiently
Many hand blenders come with a whisk attachment, which is useful for making sauces with a smooth, even consistency. If the mixture tends to be lumpy, the solution is to use a hand blender.
Step 4. Make limited quantities of smoothies
If you use a standard blender, you may be forced to prepare too much for one person. Put fruit, yogurt, and enough juice to cover all other ingredients in a tall, narrow stainless steel container. Blend everything thoroughly.
Step 5. Make homemade mayonnaise
For this task, which usually takes a considerably long time, with a hand blender you can do it in five minutes. Put 2 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 tablespoon of mustard in a tall, narrow stainless steel container. Blend all the ingredients well. While blending, add 1 cup of olive oil, a little at a time.
- Before adding more oil, mix in the one added previously. If it is well blended into the mixture, it will be easier to incorporate more. Do this for half the cup: you can pour the remaining half directly.
- If the mayonnaise is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
