When most of us take out our blenders (especially this time of year), it’s to whip up a smoothie. And while smoothies can be a great on-the-go breakfast or snack option, that’s only scratching the surface when it comes to using the common kitchen gadget to make an easy, healthy meal. Here are 9 great recipes you can make with a smoothie.
1. Pancakes And Waffles
Creating batter using a blendtec blender is an excellent method to incorporate fruits and vegetables for an added nutritional boost. You can make everything from pancakes made from beets to waffles made from avocado and grapefruit.
2. Muffins
Preparing muffin batter is as simple as making pancake batter, and using a blender makes it easy to incorporate vegetables. For instance, you can modify veggie blender muffins to include any vegetables you have available, and the children won’t even notice!
3. Pureed Soup
Elegant pureed soups are not exclusive to restaurants, and soup need not be a dish saved for chilly weather either. Blenders make it easy for you to sneak in more vegetables while still having great flavour.
4. Fruit-infused Ice Cubes
Who claims that ice cubes can only be made of H2O? Incorporate fruit-flavored cubes to infuse your water with antioxidant-rich sweetness. During the hot summer months, staying hydrated with ample fluids and water-dense foods is crucial. For instance, watermelon consists of over 90 percent water and is a source of the electrolyte potassium, which supports hydration.
5. Edible Cookie Dough
What if there were a mixture that has the flavor of cookie dough, yet is safe for consumption and offers a protein enhancement? Edible cookie dough serves as a delightful treat that can satisfy many, and no one will realize just how nutritious it is.
6. Marinara Sauce
Delicious and healthy jarred sauce can be quite expensive. So, why not create your own? Making marinara sauce from scratch can be time-consuming, and you may not always get it thick enough. But this is where the blender comes in. You’ll receive a substantial amount of immunity-enhancing vitamin C and disease-fighting lycopene.
7. Nut Milk
Making homemade pistachio milk is incredibly simple, especially with a high-powered blender. This nut milk is not commonly found in stores, making it a delightful treat. Enjoy the milk by itself, or combine it with your preferred whole-grain cereal.
8. Salad Dressing
While some commercially available dressings are excellent, others are loaded with extra sugar and tend to be quite high in calories due to the oil or cream they include. Additionally, consider saving money on groceries by mixing ingredients you probably already have at home. Combine your preferred ingredients with a bit of oil, and you’ll quickly create a delicious salad dressing.
9. Alfredo Sauce
Do you enjoy the rich creaminess of Alfredo sauce but want to avoid the usual calories and fat? Try blending a healthier version using cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This alternative provides a tasty, protein-rich sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, spaghetti squash, or vegetable noodles.
Don’t think blenders are only for making smoothies; incorporate them into more recipes to take most out most of the hard work so that cooking feels less like a chore.