Think beyond smoothies: 7 surprising ways to use your blender in the kitchen

Blenders have long been a staple in kitchens for whipping up smoothies, but they are far more versatile than we give them credit for.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, there are plenty of surprising ways to make use of your blender.

Here are seven uses that will make you rethink how you use this trusty appliance:

1. Nut butter creation

Homemade nut butter is a healthy and easy treat, and your blender can do the heavy lifting.

Simply toss your favourite nuts, such as peanuts (njugu), almonds or cashews, into the blender with a bit of oil and blend until smooth.

You can create rich, natural nut butter without all the preservatives found in store-bought options, and it is perfect for spreading on bread, adding to smoothies, protein shakes, or even baking.

2. Homemade nut milk

Blenders are not just for smoothies. You can make your own nut milk by blending nuts (almonds, cashews, etc.) with water.

After blending, simply strain the mixture, and you have fresh, homemade almond or cashew milk, without any artificial additives.

It is a great dairy-free alternative for cooking, baking, or simply enjoying in your coffee or cereal.

3. Grinding coffee beans

If you are a coffee person and you find yourself in a situation without a coffee grinder, do not panic.

Your blender can handle the job just as well. Simply add your coffee beans to the blender and pulse until they are ground to your preferred consistency.

Whether you are brewing French press, espresso, or drip coffee, the blender will give you freshly ground coffee every time, saving you a trip to the store and ensuring your cup of coffee is as fresh as possible.

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4. Soup and sauce preparation

Blenders can make smooth, creamy soups and sauces in no time.

So, after cooking your ingredients, simply blend them until smooth, whether it is a rich tomato soup, a velvety potato or vegetable soup, or a creamy cheese sauce, your blender is the perfect tool to create a smooth, satisfying base for any meal.

5. Smoothie bowls

Smoothie bowls are a fun and nutritious way to enjoy your daily dose of fruits and vegetables.

Instead of blending a drinkable smoothie, use your blender to create a thicker texture by adding frozen fruits, spinach, and yoghurt. That is why it is called a smoothie bowl, because it is so thick, and is eaten with a spoon, unlike a fruit juice.

Then pour the mixture into a bowl and top with granola, seeds, and fresh fruit for a satisfying and Instagram-worthy breakfast.

6. Whipped cream or butter

It is very easy to make whipped cream or butter using a blender. For whipped cream, simply blend heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until fluffy.

To make butter, blend cream for a few minutes until the butterfat separates from the buttermilk, then you can separate, rinse the butter with water and add salt for extra flavour.

7. Cleaning tool

In case you did not know, your blender can help clean itself; you do not have to fight with sponges and soaps, and brushes.

So, if you have been struggling to get rid of stuck food particles, fill your blender with warm water and a drop of dish soap.

Blend for a few seconds, and you will be amazed at how easily the appliance becomes clean.

So, your blender is not just for making smoothies, it is an essential multi-purpose tool that can help with everything from grinding coffee beans to cleaning itself.