A food processor is one of the most helpful gadgets in your kitchen and many times the most underused and under-appreciated. That said, a food processor can become your best friend, especially for chopping vegetables. Yes, a sharp knife is also a kitchen must-have, but if you are making soups, stews, and other delicious dishes where ingredients need to be consistent in size, a food processor is the better choice. So, read on and learn tips on using a food processor to chop vegetables like a pro.
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How to Use a Food Processor to Chop Vegetables
Refer to the owner’s manual before operating. Wash the vegetables with peels and skins removed. Cut larger vegetables into smaller chunks and place vegetables into the food processor’s opening. Latch the lid tightly and turn on the food processor, chopping the vegetables to the desired size.
A food processor is like your personal prep cook saving you time and energy. You will also enjoy more professional, consistent results than with knives, graters, and mandolines.
Will a Food Processor Cut Vegetables into Different Sizes?
A food processor is an amazing machine that can cut, chop and dice vegetables. It takes the hassle and tedious task of chopping by hand so much easier. Many food processors will have various settings that allow you to decide what size you want the result to be. For example, if you need very small pieces, use the food processor for dicing vegetables.
Can You Chop Multiple Vegetables Together in the Food Processor?
You can either chop vegetables individually or multiple vegetables together. For example, if you are making a soup or stew, combine onion, carrots, and celery so the vegetables will have a consistent size for better cooking. If you want the potatoes to be larger, chop those in the food processor separately. A food processor will chop vegetables exactly how you want them.
Can a Food Processor Create Vegetable Spirals?
Food processors usually include different settings or separate blades that offer different results, including slices, spirals, and shreds. For example, a food processor will shred a large head of cabbage in seconds to create slaw, slice an onion into consistent ovals for sandwiches, and spiral a zucchini into beautiful ribbons to replace pasta. A food processor can also pulverize vegetables into amazing sauces.
Can You Chop Frozen Vegetables into A Food Processor?
Yes, it is totally fine to put frozen vegetables in a food processor if you can pierce them with the tip of a sharp knife. If they are too hard, they could stress and damage the blade and motor. The same is true for frozen fruit. Simply let the frozen vegetables thaw for a few minutes before chopping them in the food processor. The tip is not to throw leftover vegetables away. Instead, chop them, put them into plastic freezer bags, and store them in the freezer for later use in special recipes. You may not enjoy frozen veggies for salads, but they will be perfect in cooked dishes such as soups, pasta, stews, and casseroles.
What are Some Chopped Vegetable Recipes I Can Make In A Food Processor?
Your food processor is for much more than just chopping and dicing vegetables. It is a multi-tasking tool that you will repeatedly use, especially when you become more familiar with everything it can do for you. There are many quick and easy recipes that you can make in a food processor. Here are four delicious and healthy recipes for you to try:
- Vegan Chopped Salad: Gather head lettuce, cabbage, carrots, onions, sprouts, green peppers, cucumber, or any raw vegetables, cut into small chunks, put into the food processor, and set to shred. The vegetables will be consistently shredded and ready for your favorite salad dressing in a matter of moments. Top with roasted red peppers, toasted almonds or walnuts, and your favorite cheese for a delightful dish.
- Cauliflower Rice Pilaf: When cauliflower is pulsed in a food processor, it magically resembles white rice but healthier. In this carbohydrate-free vegetarian recipe, cauliflower rice with a combination of garlic, basil, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil transforms into a tasty side dish Cauliflower Rice Pilaf.
- Spinach Pesto: Perfect for adding to pasta, spreading on crusty bread, or topping soups, whip up this delectable pesto with spinach as the star ingredient. Drop fresh garlic through the feed tube opening and process until chopped. Roll spinach leaves, basil leaves and place them into a food processor. Follow with fresh parsley mint and salt and pepper and set food processor to chop. Slowly add extra virgin olive oil, parmesan cheese, continually scraping the sides with a spatula and in moments you will have created a fresh, aromatic pesto.
- Falafel Burgers: Who knew your food processor could help you make Falafel Burgers. Coarsely chop onion, garlic, and jalapeno slices in your food processor. Then add a few more tasty ingredients including chickpeas, coriander, cumin, and olive oil. You are now well on your way to building a burger that is healthy and full of flavor, thanks to the hard work of your food processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a food processor work? A food processor is powered by an electric motor that makes sharp blades spin. Some models have attachments for slicing, dicing, and shredding.
How do you clean a food processor? Parts like the lid and blades are normally dishwasher safe; others should be wiped with a clean cloth and dried completely. Never submerge the motor into the water! Always refer to the owner’s manual for proper care and cleaning.
What are some other things a food processor can do? Your food processor is an amazing kitchen tool that can do much more than chop and dice vegetables. It can also knead bread dough, prepare dips and sauces, grate cheese, prepare smoothies, make breadcrumbs, salad dressings, hummus, granola bars, homemade nut butter, ice cream, and desserts, grind meat, seeds, nuts, olives, and so much more.
How much do food processors cost? There are many different brands and sizes of food processors, and the prices can range between $20 and more than $500. There are also various food processors for different purposes. A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a food processor is of higher quality. Do some research and find one that meets your needs and skill level.