A food processor is the most used appliance in the kitchen. The appliance can handle several tasks, including mincing, chopping, slicing, pulsing, pureeing, shredding, and grinding a wide range of foods. The best food processor can handle complex tasks such as kneading bread dough, beating egg whites, making juices, grinding meats and vegetables, as well as beating cake batter.
The appliance makes cooking fun and easier. However, if your food processor malfunctions or you find that the food processor price is higher than your budget. So, what to do if you don’t have a food processor, in this situation, you do not have to change your plans. This article has highlighted a few alternatives to food processors that can help you enjoy your meal.
Blender
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor. A question you may ask yourself, but there is an answer for you in detail.
It is the most common appliance that you can use as a food processor alternative. The price of a food processor is high compared to that of a blender, and it can handle several tasks that a food processor does apart from kneading dough. There is not much difference between blender and food processor in terms of processing items.
Nowadays, some blenders are available in sets of one or two parts that help the appliance handle more tasks. That means that you can enjoy various functionalities using the same appliance. You can use a blender to chop, mince, and puree if you do not mind working with smaller batches. All you need to learn how to process recipes using a blender is patience and practice.
You can also use a blender to handle several other tasks other than just making juices and smoothies. Some blenders have an extra jar that you can use to blend fibrous foods such as celery and herbs. Most people claim that an easy to clean food processor is difficult to find. That could be true since the appliance has several components that a user has to clean compared to a blender, which is significantly easier to clean.
Mixer
This is also an efficient alternative to a food processor. The appliance can help you get maximum done within a short period and minimum effort. Mixers are available in various designs, and you can choose the one that meets your needs perfectly.
For instance, electric mixers are available, and they do not require the user’s effort. Simpler mixers, which only include a whisk are also available. People have been using these manual hand mixers for decades to whisk or beat eggs or mix ingredients, especially when baking to get a fine mixture as a result.
Nowadays, both mixers are popular, especially for preparing baking items. The appliance can help in aerating concoctions of milk, butter, and flour. Since mixers are compact, you should not have trouble storing the appliance compared to food processors. It is worth mentioning that a mixer can also be a great alternatives to blender as well. Mixers can save you a lot of space.
Food mill
If you want to process soft food and you do not own the best food processor, a food mill can save the day. This old-fashioned tool can help get a wide range of tasks done, including grinding, straining soft foods, mashing, and pureeing.
It comes with a grinding plate connected to a crank. It can be electric or manual. The appliance forces food down onto the plate and through a sieve before it gets into a bowl. Most people prefer this appliance because:
- It does an excellent job in making mashed potatoes
- It makes good cauliflower rice
Grinder
If you have a grinder in your kitchen, you can use it to chop up coffee beans, nuts, and spices. You can also use the appliance as an alternative to a food processor. All you have to do is put the food items that you want to grind in the appliance and pulse it until the result is to your liking. A grinder helps turn food into a rice-like or flour-like mixture.
The appliance is easier to clean than most people consider as an easy to clean food processor. It is essential to clean a grinder thoroughly before and after using it. This will help prevent your recipe from having a fragrance of earlier spices.
Chopper
Chopping is another appealing functionality of a food processor. However, if you find that a food processor price is high, a food chopper can come in handy for some of your food items and recipes.
You may need to chop some vegetables or onions to complete making your favorite meal. A chopper can help you with this task and save you time since you do not have to set it up. You only need to put the food items through the device and collect the chopped pieces.
Also, a chopper requires minimal storage space since manufacturers built it with no complicated parts, and the device follows a straightforward mechanism. Therefore, as a user, you can store it anywhere with ease. It is also easier to clean than what people consider as easy to clean food processor. A chopper is among the best alternatives if you find that the food processor price is higher than your budget.
Boil until soft
Before you go fully manual, first boil the food items until they are soft. This option does not involve chopping food items but making a puree of those items. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to boil food items to prepare a delicious dish.
- Clean the food items thoroughly
- Ensure your heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan is clean before you put your food items
- Add some water to the food items in your saucepan
- Add in spices and condiments to make a concoction
- Boil the food items until soft
- The heat from the stove makes the food items squishier
If the food items are not becoming soft, use a potato masher or fork to hasten the process. This process requires one to be patient.
Final thoughts
At food processor is an electric appliance with the potential of handling a wide range of tasks. Selecting replacement or alternative devices with similar potential is the best idea. With that, you do not have to worry about the food processor price since all its alternatives are cheaper and effective.
However, before using a blender, it is essential to note if your motor is powerful enough to handle some shredding and chopping tasks. Also, ensure the blades are sharp enough.