Investing in a good quality food processor is a surefire way to step up your kitchen game. More than anything, having one around can really broaden your horizons when it comes to healthy eating.
Just think of all the delicious things you can make with a food processor: homemade pesto, creamy hummus, healthy nut butter—the possibilities are endless!
But at the end of the day, food processors are expensive kitchen appliances; and if you’re going to drop money on a nice one, then you definitely want to get the most bang for your buck.
Here are a few things you should know before you start using your food processor:
Don’t confuse it with a blender.
A lot of people think food processors and blenders are synonymous, but there’s a reason they’re different appliances! Food processor blades are razor sharp, but the motor isn’t all that powerful; a blender is essentially the exact opposite. That’s why you’ll want to use a food processor to grind up tough pieces like seeds, nuts, garlic, and onion. A blender is much better for liquids like smoothies, soups, and broths. Knowing when to use the right appliance will seriously improve your cooking skills and help you get the most out of every machine you buy.
Don’t add massive ingredients.
Again, your food processor is not a blender, so you shouldn’t treat it like one. If an extra-large onion doesn’t look like it’s going to fit inside, then it probably won’t. Food processor blades are sharp, but small. Before throwing anything in the machine, make sure to chop it into smaller pieces first. Trying to force a food processor to handle something it’s not designed to will only wear down the machine!
Remember the pulse button.
The most amazing feature a food processor can offer is the pulse button, but people constantly forget it even exists. Sure, holding the button down will puree anything your heart desires, but that’s not the machine’s only function. The pulse button is designed to do exactly what it sounds like—pulse! This will result in nice finely chopped pieces.
