Table of Contents
Overview
Many mothers have opted for ways to produce or make baby food on their own, and there is no guarantee that your little ones are big fans of every food you make. Besides making sure that you are only using fresh and healthy stuff, making your food can also help you avoid added preservatives and artificial additives.
When it comes to making your baby food, or even food for the whole family, a food processor might be required; and we believe that getting a food processor can be a good investment because of the many things it can do. But what if you simply just cannot get one? There is no really need to worry since not having a food processor around your kitchen should not stop you from making good baby food and other stuff such as purees, grounds, and smoothies.
This article will be about the food processor that you might already have and the possible alternatives you can use just in case yours will malfunction and breakdown, or for those who don’t have food processors at home.
Basic information on the food processor
We have to admit that there was a point in our lives where we look at these appliances as typically the same. Commonly, people might think about how a blender and a food processor functions in a very similar way. However, they are very different since a food processor can do more than just mixing, pulverizing, and combining.
A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you in your food preparation task in various ways. They are also shaped differently from a blender, given its wide-based container and a chute that allows you to add more ingredients while the processor is working. Food processors also come with various blade attachments that will enable you to shred, slice, chop, grate, grind, and more. Some even allow you to work with bowl inserts to do several tasks in different containers simultaneously. Truly, when it comes to making baby food and all the other food items you need for your family, a food processor is a good companion for the task.
Grinding food without a food processor – What are the alternatives?
Having no food processor does not immediately mean that you won’t be able to do all the wonderful recipes you thought about. There are easy alternatives, and we are sure that you will have one or two of these items in your cupboard.
Blender
This appliance is the most common and effective alternative for a food processor. A blender is generally cheaper and can do most things that a food processor can do. A downside when it comes to using a blender is that you will not work on large batches at once; you need to patient enough and work your way with small batches. Using a blender as a food processor will be discussed more later in this article.
Mixer
Most modern kitchens have a mixer, may it be a stand mixer or a hand mixer. They are also very effective when it comes to combining the ingredients and can even work to shred or mash a couple of ingredients. Ideally, you use an electric mixer, especially when making baby food, so that you will be able to reduce manual work, which can be very tiring. With an electric mixer, you will be able to puree, grind, mix, shred, and mince the ingredients that you need for your recipe. A good thing about mixers is that they are easily stored, take up a little space, and are quite cheap as well.
Grinder
Another alternative for food processors is grinders. They work well when it comes to finely grinding nuts, coffee beans, fruits, and even meat. A good and functional grinder can easily turn any ingredient into a rice-like consistency. However, when using a grinder, you must thoroughly clean each part since there is a tendency where the last ingredient you put into the grinder might be stuck on the insides, and you would not want to be mixing ingredients that are not supposed to be mixed.
Rolling pin, masher, or mortar and pestle
The rolling pin or masher technique can be tiring, and you will need to use it with a resealable plastic bag. You need to put the ingredients in the plastic bag and roll the pin or mash it over. This is effective for crushing cookies, biscuits, peas, and even chips. You can also use a mortar and pestle when you want to pulverize your ingredient. This technique can be tiring and time-consuming at the same time.
Grater and knives
Graters and knives have been commonly used to chop and grate ingredients finely. They are very effective, yet you will have to be extra careful since graters and knives are very sharp and might injure you if you are not careful.
Blender as a food processor
Blenders are the most common alternative for a food processor since they are also fast and efficient. Blenders mostly work at a higher speed than food processors, and they are quick when it comes to making the ingredients smooth and puree-like. To simulate the power of a food processor, you can use the pulse option instead of letting it blend for a longer time. When using a blender, you might want to use lesser liquid to avoid watery soupy food. Blenders will also work better if you blend your ingredients in smaller batches than mixing them all at once.
Food processors – Do you need one?
A food processor might be pricey and expensive, but they are indeed very efficient and helpful when it comes to all your food preparations. Here is the reason why you might need a food processor:
- Food processes are very efficient, ergonomic, and can definitely save your hands from all the manual work. They are very fast and will let you work on different ingredients simultaneously.
- They help you save a lot of time when it comes to food preparation without worrying about the quality of your products and ingredients.
- It is for certain that a food processor is a superior kitchen appliance that comes with different attachments and high-functionality as well.
- A good food processor has durable motors and sharper blades that can truly help you work with your ingredients very easily.
- Food processors are relatively easy to clean, and a majority of them can even be thrown into the dishwasher. Additionally, there are space-efficient, given the function and power that this appliance holds. They are easily stored and even have a designated spot on your kitchen countertop.
Wrapping up on food processors
Making baby food, or any food in general, can be fun and enjoyable, and we have to admit, it can be quite tiring too. That is why we need the appropriate supplies and appliances to make food preparation a breeze. Food processors are one of the most common appliances required in food preparation, and we hope that this article has helped you decide if you need to get one.