7 surprising foods you can make with a blender

As nice as it is to bake sourdough from scratch and curdle milk into cheese for a truly homemade sandwich (we see you, Nara Smith), most parents just want enough time to spot two matching socks.

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Nutrition and convenience might seem like two warring families, but we believe one kitchen tool knows just how to bring harmony.

The trustiest blender around

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The Vitamix A35OOi blender has been dubbed ‘the workhorse’ in your family, and it’s not hard to see why. With walkaway convenience, it offers five programmable settings (for Smoothies, Hot Soups, Dip and Spreads, Frozen Desserts, and Self-Cleaning) and SELF-DETECT* technology that automatically adjusts settings to the container size.

Other stand-out features include Variable Speed Control and Pulse to personalise every meal (especially for kids who are picky about texture), touchscreen controls that are easy to wipe clean, and a programmable timer so you can get the recipe just right. 

Did we mention it comes with a 10-year warranty? This is a blender that’ll stick with your family for the long haul.

You’ll be sure to whip up some delicious meals in record time and ease, and we’re not just talking about smoothies and juices. 

 

Here are 7 surprising foods you can make with a blender

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1. Baby purées

Starting solids means your little one’s learning to appreciate new textures, colours and flavours. 

With the help of fresh fruits, steamed vegetables, or even proteins like chicken or fish, you can create perfectly smooth purées for your baby’s tastes and nutritional needs. It’s more economical, convenient, and oftentimes, healthier.

You can steam a mix of sweet potato, carrot, and pear, then blend with a splash of breast milk or formula. 

Avocado and banana are great for a creamy, iron-rich purée, and cooked lentils and spinach make for a veggie-packed option.

Pro tip: Freeze leftovers in silicone moulds or ice-cube trays, so you always have a stash of single-serve portions on hand.

2. Homemade nut butter

Skip the shop-bought nut butter loaded with added sugar or oil and make your own healthier version. From almond to cashew or even sunflower seed butter, a high-speed blender can turn roasted nuts into creamy spreads in minutes.

Roast 2 cups of almonds or peanuts in the oven at 180°C for 10–15 minutes. Once cool, blend with a pinch of sea salt until creamy (this might take a few minutes – patience is key!). Then, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a kid-friendly twist.

In the case of allergies, swap out nuts for sunflower seeds or tahini (blended sesame seeds) for lunchbox-safe spreads.

3. Creamy tomato soup

It’s the best comfort meal for sick days and stormy nights, but did you know you can make it in moments with the right blender?

For a cosy and creamy tomato soup, add 4–5 roasted tomatoes, 1 roasted capsicum (bell pepper), 1 clove of garlic, ½ an onion (sautéed or roasted), 1 cup of vegetable or chicken stock, and a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra richness to the Vitamix blender. 

Start the Vitamix blender on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to its highest speed. Blend for 7 minutes 30 seconds or until heavy steam escapes from the vented lid. Alternatively, select the Hot Soup pre-set program and press play. The hot soup pre-set program on a Vitamix blender heats ingredients using friction to make hot soup.  

This soup is ideal for dipping bread, crackers, or even those leftover crusts your kids didn’t eat at lunch.

4. No-churn sorbets and ice creams

We couldn’t leave out a sweet-tooth-friendly recipe. Blender-made frozen desserts help satisfy sweet cravings with recipes chocked full of fruit. (Plus, they’re perfect for pool days in the sticky summer heat.)

Some of our favourite mixes include: 

• 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup of frozen mango, and a splash of coconut milk for a tropical sorbet. 
• Frozen strawberries, Greek yoghurt, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Frozen banana with 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, a dash of vanilla, and a splash of milk.

Add to your Vitamix blender, use the Frozen Desserts pre-set program and press play. Enjoy it right away if you’re keen, or place it in a tin and freeze.

5. Dips and spreads

Homemade dips are quick, versatile, and an easy way to sneak in extra veggies or protein when your kids aren’t looking. 

You can spread these on sandwiches or use them as a dip for veggie sticks, crackers, or pita bread.

To make hummus, add 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 2 tablespoons of tahini, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add a dash of water for your desired consistency.

If you’re after a veggie dip, add cooked beetroot for a vibrant pink hummus, or toss in roasted capsicum for a smoky taste.

Add ingredients to the container, start the Vitamix machine on its lowest speed and slowly increase to its highest speed. Blend for 1 minute. Alternatively use the Dips & Spreads pre-set program and press play. 

6. Pancake and waffle batter

Nothing beats Saturday morning pancakes. When you’re still half-awake and juggling tiny kids in pyjamas, a quick and easy pancake blend saves the day. 

Blend 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 ripe banana, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½  cup of milk for healthy, gluten-free pancakes.

You might just be able to slip in some hidden goodness with a handful of baby spinach or grated zucchini to the batter.

7. Homemade sauces and marinades

You can also elevate your typical family meals with fresh, flavourful sauces and marinades – perfect for roasting, grilling, or tossing through pasta.

Make some delicious green sauce by blending 1 cup of fresh parsley, ½ cup of basil, 1 garlic clove, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt. It can be used as a marinade for chicken or drizzled over roasted vegetables.

For no-cook pasta sauce, blitz 2 cups of roasted cherry tomatoes, 1 garlic clove, a handful of basil, and a splash of olive oil. To add more veges to your pasta sauce, blend carrots and zucchini and then add the above to your Vitamix. 

Wrapping it up

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A good mealtime shortcut can’t be understated, especially one that saves you this much time on cooking and cleanup. 

With the Vitamix A35OOi blender, your meals can be quicker, tastier, healthier, and even become a bonding moment with your little one. (If you’d be generous enough to let them press the play button.)