Can You Actually Use a Blender as a Food Processor?

Blenders and food processors are two common appliances found in modern kitchens that serve similar purposes and are often used in different ways.

It is generally advisable to have both in your kitchen, but if that isn’t possible, they can be used almost interchangeably for many tasks.

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Blenders Vs. Food Processors: The Difference

A blender is designed for grinding and mixing ingredients into very fine pieces and can only function fully if it has some liquid mixed in.

A blade fixed in position at the base grinds the food items inside the jug.

A food processor, on the other hand, has a variety of attachments that can be interchanged.

These include slicing discs and blades that can be used for chopping up solid ingredients. Other uses include grating or even making breadcrumbs.

Can You Use a Blender Instead of a Food Processor?

The simple answer is that it depends. A blender can be used in the same way as a food processor, but only if you are ready to work with smaller batches.

The vast majority of recipes, such as smoothies, that involve the use of a food processor can be processed in a blender, but this requires some practice.

It is possible to find a workaround for some of the dishes while you might get the desired result for other dishes right off the bat.

How to Use a Blender as a Food Processor?

If you only have a blender, it is possible to adjust how you use it to achieve an effect that’s similar to what a food processor does.

Here are some tips to achieve the same results using a blender as you would using a food processor.

Blend At a Lower Speed

A blender works at a higher speed than most food processors and this might have the unwanted effect of leaving what you are trying to create much smoother than you would like it to be.

To simulate the results of a food processor, pulse the blender as opposed to letting it blend for extended periods.

Check the Settings

A blender is specifically designed for making liquefied foods and drinks, chopping ice, or even pureeing soup.

In contrast, a food processor is mainly used for chopping and combining even solid foods.

To get the same results using your blender as you would using the food processor, avoid the “puree” and “liquefy” settings on your blender.

Use Less Liquid

To effectively use a blender as a food processor, use less liquid, at least initially.

Doing that helps replicate the effect of using a food processor without making the food too soupy. When blending, you can always add more liquid to ensure smoother results.

Use Less Ingredients

To achieve a consistency similar to that of a food processor while using a blender, you will need to make fewer batches rather than a single large batch.

It is generally advisable to use half the ingredients you would normally use in a food processor.

Doing that ensures consistency in your blending and produces better results overall.

How You Can Use a Blender to Make Prepare Specific Foods

Here is a quick guide to using a blender to prepare specific foods using a blender rather than a food processor:

Bread Crumbs

Use not more than 2 slices of dried bread and toss several pieces of it into the blender.

Use the pulse setting on the blender for 30 seconds until you achieve a fine consistency.

If the pulse option is unavailable, run the blender on high speed for 30 seconds.

Shredded Cheese

To use a blender to make shredded cheese, first dice hard cheese using a chef’s knife into nice, 2-inch chunks.

Put the chunks of cheese into the blender and pulse on high for 30 seconds until the required consistency is achieved.

Baby Food

If you would like to prepare homemade baby food using your blender, add not more than 1 cup of freshly cooked vegetable in the blender.

Then, use the blender on the highest speed to achieve a smooth mixture.

Ice

Ice is a definite requirement if you love hosting people at your home for dinner parties.

To get crushed ice without the need to visit the store, place about 5 to 6 ice cubes in your blender. Next, set the blender on high until the desired consistency is achieved.

Pesto

Good pesto is appreciated by all and preparing it at home is much better than buying it at a store.

All you require is ¾ cup cheese, ¾ cup of olive oil, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 ½ cups of basil, as well as ¼ cup of pine nuts.

Put all these ingredients into your blender and use it on medium speed until the pesto sauce turns smooth.

Final Thoughts

Can a blender be used as a food processor? Definitely, but not always.

If you want to prepare certain foods and you don’t have a food processor, you can definitely use a blender as long as you follow the tips provided here.

For more kitchen tips visit Show Home Style.

Maire Shield
 

Maire Shield worked for 15 years as an interior design consultant in Albuquerque and is now retired after selling her business. She now shares her experience and knowledge through blogging to help other people create a beautiful home for themselves.

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