Food Processor Recipes and Tips for Using This Versatile Appliance (2024)

FAQs

What can I use my food processor for recipes? ›

Food processors are useful for far more than basic food prep and are the perfect tool to help you discover new flavors and textures. From delicious hoisin sauce to Greek cucumber sauce, to gazpacho, and a creamy dairy-free “ice cream” from bananas, you'll be delighted by the possibilities.

To keep kitchen prep to a minimum, simply pull out your food processor and let it do all the work, from chopping up veggies to mixing dough, shredding cheese and more. You can make everything from delicious sauces, dips and healthy soups — and how could we forget all those indulgent desserts and baked goods?

First, assemble the food processor and attach the blade. There are a variety of different blade attachments that can be used to chop, slice, or grate food. Next, add your recipe ingredients and screw the lid onto the processor. Blend or pulse the food until it's as smooth or chunky as you like it.

As well as being able to make light work of food preparation in a matter of seconds, food processors can handle a wide range of baking tasks quickly and efficiently, from chopping, grinding and mixing to whisking, whipping and kneading.

The processor's blades and discs, which are attached to the stem and rotate and cut the food in the bowl, determine the functions it can perform. An S-shaped steel blade is typically used for chopping, mincing and pureeing, while metal discs handle slicing and grating jobs.

Place the onion in the food processor bowl and secure the lid. Process until you achieve the desired size. Use the pulse function in short bursts for chopped onions. For a finer, more minced consistency, process in longer bursts.

Blenders usually have one blade, tall jars and are typically used for wetter recipes. Food processors, on the other hand, usually have multiple blades and wide work bowls and can usually shred and slice in addition to pureeing. Read on for more details on the differences between a food processor and a blender.

Another tool for making smoothies is a food processor. Keep in mind that this method can work in a pinch but is not designed to crush ice and may not render the same smooth texture as a blender. KitchenAid brand offers food processors in a range of colors and sizes to help unleash possibilities in the kitchen.

Can you use a food processor as a mixer? ›

With a variety of functions, both mixers and food processors allow you to whip, mix, chop, mince and more when using different attachments and accessories. So, no matter where you stand in the food processor vs. stand mixer debate, they can both be invaluable kitchen tools.

The Basic Components of a Food Processor

No matter what size they are, however, the basic components are the same: a motor, a bowl with a lid and feed tube, and a set of attachments. Motor: The motor is housed in the base of the appliance, and it is the heaviest part of the device.

No, a blender can't be used as a food processor because it needs a certain amount of liquid to run. Blenders also don't slice or shred with different blades, the way a food processor can. The two appliances can sometimes be used interchangeably, like if you're making certain sauces or dips, but generally not.

Compared to a food processor, a blender is known to achieve a smoother, silkier consistency in its final product (think smoothies and milkshakes). But a blender is certainly not limited to creamy beverages. They can also help home cooks make hummus, nut butter, sauces, and salad dressings.