Modern food processors come with slicing, shredding blades, and grating standards, alongside stainless steel chopping and dough blades.
Also, depending on the model or manufacturer, you may also be able to add new attachments to your machine such as making pasta and whisking.
Here are some practical tips on how to use a food processor.
How To Use A Food Processor
1. Cut Long Thin Strips
The art of cutting long, thin strips resembling matchsticks (also known as to julienne) is an important part of carrying out basic kitchen tasks.
Food processors have julienne blades of varying sizes, ranging from ones capable of cutting onions and celery to those designed to cut homemade fries.
Julienne vegetables such as ginger root, broccoli stems, and bell peppers are used for making attractive garnishes as well as adding color to vegetable saute.
2. Chopping and Pureeing
The stainless steel blade in your food processor is quite versatile. It has the ability to mix up a batch of cookies, whip homemade salsa as well as chop onions, herbs, and tomatoes.
You can also throw in an avocado to make fine guacamole. Besides that, you can use it for pureeing jams, jellies, and fruits and to prepare homemade tomato sauce or pumpkin soup.
3. Kneading
Your food processor can simplify the kneading process through the use of a plastic double blade. This is of great help when it comes to making pizza crusts, yeast breads and muffins.
Kneading in a standard processor normally cuts the time down from 10 to 20 minutes to just a couple of minutes. But you must be careful not to overwork your dough blade when using this power appliance as this might kill the gluten.
4. As a Blender
The blender attachment of your food processor offers an alternative to a separate appliance function. This attachment can help you do all your regular blending tasks such as making smoothies and milkshakes.
The wider bowl makes it much easier to scrape out the contents and keep the food processor clean.
5. Grating and Shredding
Grating and shredding blades are available in a variety of sizes and shapes from very fine to coarse. You can therefore use this handy appliance to shred carrots for your favorite green salad or grate cheese for tacos.
If you love potatoes, you’ll be glad to learn that a food processor can grate them much faster so you can start the day with some delicious hash browns. You may also grate your vegetables for flavor in some recipes.
6. Slicing
Food processor slicing blades are available in a variety of thicknesses (from thick to paper thin).
The quick slicing option makes it extremely easy to prep salads and soups from veggies. You can also slice your grapes, strawberries, or peaches for a fruit salad.
If you’re wondering how to use a food processor, wonder no more. 🙂
As it turns out, there are many ways you can put this handy appliance to good use.