Essential Soup Making Equipment – Stick Blender

Hello! Are you tired of transferring hot soup from the pot to a blender and back again just to get that perfect creamy consistency? Well, I have some great news for you. A stick blender, also known as an immersion blender, is the perfect tool for achieving that creamy texture in your soup right in the pot!

Not only is it convenient, but it’s also very versatile. Stick blenders can be used to blend cream soups, pureed soups, chunky soups, and bean soups to create a smooth and creamy consistency. Plus, it’s perfect for small jobs like blending a single serving of smoothie or pureeing small amounts of vegetables or fruits.

So, if you love to make soups at home, a stick blender is an essential piece of equipment for your kitchen. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and will save you a lot of time and hassle. Say goodbye to transferring hot liquids and hello to perfectly blended and creamy soups every time!

Why Are Stick Blenders Great for Soup?

A stick blender, also known as a hand blender or immersion blender, is a kitchen tool that is used to blend ingredients in a container, such as a pot or bowl. It consists of a long, narrow blending shaft with a rotating blade at the end, which can be immersed directly into the ingredients to blend them.

A stick blender is good for soups because it allows you to blend the ingredients directly in the pot or bowl, without having to transfer the hot soup to a separate blending container. This can save time and dishes, and also allows you to achieve a smoother consistency in the soup. Additionally, stick blenders are typically smaller and more portable than traditional countertop blenders, making them ideal for small kitchens or for people who do not want to store a large appliance.

Best Soups to Blend With a Stick Blender

Many types of soups can be blended with a stick blender, but some are particularly well-suited for this method. Here are a few examples:

1. Cream soups: Cream soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli, can be easily blended with a stick blender to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
2. Vegetable soups: Vegetable soups, such as minestrone or lentil soup, can be blended with a stick blender to create a thick and hearty consistency.
3. Pureed soups: Pureed soups, such as pumpkin soup or sweet potato soup, can be blended with a stick blender to create a smooth and velvety texture.
4. Chunky soups: Chunky soups, such as potato soup, can be blended with a stick blender to create a more homogenous consistency, while still keeping some chunks of vegetables.
5. Bean soups: Bean soups, such as black bean soup or lentil soup, can be blended with a stick blender to create a thicker and creamier texture.
6. Chowder: Chowder is a type of soup that typically has a thicker consistency and is made with a variety of ingredients, such as potatoes, seafood, and cream. A stick blender can be used to puree the vegetables and seafood, making the chowder a smooth and creamy soup.

It’s important to note that some soups, like those with leafy greens or delicate herbs, would be better served by being gently stirred or pulsed with a food processor or a regular blender, to avoid over-blending and loss of flavor and texture.

Tips for Using a Stick Blender

here are some tips for using a stick blender to make soup:

1. Start with a hot soup: The best time to use a stick blender is when the soup is hot. This will make it easier to blend and will also help to prevent splattering.
2. Use a low speed: Start on a low speed to avoid splattering and work your way up to a higher speed as needed.
3. Blend in small batches: If you are working with a large pot of soup, it’s best to blend in small batches to avoid overfilling the container and splattering.
4. Be cautious with the blades: The blades on a stick blender are sharp, so be careful not to touch them while using the blender and be sure to clean them thoroughly after use.
5. Blend carefully: When blending hot liquids, it is important to hold the stick blender firmly and blend slowly, being careful not to splash hot soup.
6. Be cautious with the heat: Be aware that blending hot liquids can create a lot of friction, heating the liquids further. To avoid this, take breaks between blending and blend for shorter periods of time.
7. Use caution when blending near the bottom: As the blades of the stick blender are at the bottom of the shaft, take extra care when blending near the bottom of a container as there is a risk of the blades hitting the bottom and causing injury.
8. Keep the stick blender immersed: Keep the stick blender immersed in the liquid when blending to avoid splattering, and try to keep the head of the blender below the surface of the liquid.
9. Clean it well: Always clean the stick blender thoroughly after use, paying special attention to the blades to ensure that there is no food residue left behind.

When Should I Use a Stick Blender and When Should I Use Other Blenders When Making Soup?

A stick blender is best used for blending soups and sauces directly in the cooking pot, without the need to transfer the hot liquids to a separate blender. It is particularly useful for blending cream soups, pureed soups, chunky soups, and bean soups to create a smooth and creamy consistency. Since it is an immersion blender, it can be easily immersed into the pot and can blend the soup in the pot itself.

A food processor is not typically used for blending soups, as it is better suited for chopping, grinding, and pureeing solid ingredients. However, it can be used to finely chop vegetables or fruits that will be added to the soup later on.

A regular blender is best for blending liquids and solids together, such as for pureed soups and sauces. It can handle blending hot liquids and frozen ingredients and is ideal for creating a smooth consistency for pureed vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. It is also good for blending large quantities of ingredients and can be used for blending soups with leafy greens or delicate herbs.

A stick blender is best for blending soups directly in the pot and for creating a smooth and creamy consistency, a food processor is best for finely chopping solid ingredients that will be added to the soup later on, and a regular blender is best for pureeing soups and sauces and for blending large quantities of ingredients and soups with leafy greens or delicate herbs.

So… a stick blender is a must-have tool for any home cook who loves to make soups. It allows you to blend soups directly in the pot, achieving the perfect creamy texture without the need to transfer hot liquids. It’s also versatile and can be used for a variety of soups, as well as small blending jobs. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and will save you time and hassle in the kitchen. So, if you’re looking to elevate your soup game, invest in a stick blender and enjoy perfectly blended and creamy soups every time!