From velvety soups to zesty sauces, creamy smoothies to homemade jams — we’re about to blend, puree, and whip our way through a smorgasbord of alpha-gal friendly deliciousness with these immersion blender recipes.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
Tired of lugging your bulky countertop blender out of the cabinet? (It can be a real pain to get it out and put it away daily.) That’s just one reason why a handheld immersion blender might be your new best friend. Here are some of my favorite recipes using this cool kitchen appliance.
In This Article
What is an Immersion Blender?
An immersion blender, also known as a stick blender or wand blender, is essentially a stick with blender blades at the end. I like to think of it as a magic wand that doesn’t get sparkles or fairy dust in my food. It makes it easy to blend soups, sauces, and other concoctions directly in their prep container without the hassle of transferring them to a traditional blender.
What’s the Difference Between a Regular Blender and an Immersion Blender?
The main differences are the design and functionality. A regular blender, also known as a countertop blender, has a base unit with blades at the bottom, requiring you to pour ingredients into its container. In contrast, an immersion blender has a handheld motor with blades at the end, allowing you to blend ingredients directly in their cooking or serving vessel.
Regular blenders are generally more powerful and better suited for creating fine textures like smoothies or nut butters, while immersion blenders excel in convenience and ease of use, especially for soups and sauces. Additionally, their compact design makes immersion blenders easier to clean and store.
How to Use an Immersion Blender
From pureeing a pot of soup to whipping up batters, there are many clever ways to use an immersion blender in your alpha-gal kitchen. To use a wand blender, simply immerse the blades into the food you want to blend, then turn it on and move it around for even mixing.
What Can I Use Instead of an Immersion Blender?
If one of the delicious immersion blender recipes below catches your eye, but you don’t have a stick blender, don’t worry! There are several alternatives that can get the job done:
- Regular Blender: Pour your ingredients into a traditional countertop blender and blend until smooth. This works well for soups, sauces, and smoothies, although you may need to work in batches for larger quantities.
- Food Processor: A food processor can also effectively puree ingredients. This option is best for thicker mixtures like hummus or pesto. Just be cautious with hot soup and other liquids to avoid spills and burns!
- Hand Mixer: For tasks like whipping cream or making mayonnaise, a hand mixer can be a handy substitute for an immersion blender. It’s not ideal for pureeing, but it’s perfect for emulsifying and whipping.
- Potato Masher or Fork: If you’re in a pinch and the recipe doesn’t require a completely smooth texture, you can use a potato masher or even a fork. This method works well for chunky soups or mashed potatoes.
- Potato Ricer: Although it requires a bit more elbow grease, a potato ricer can help you mash vegetables and fruits. This immersion blender alternative is especially good for making baby food.
NOTE: Because the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that most people with alpha-gal can tolerate “moderate, lean dairy,” some of the recipes below may include butter, cheese, or another dairy product. If you are an alpha gal who avoids dairy, please make a dairy-free substitution. From vegan butter to plant milk cheeses, Miyoko’s is one of my favorite brands. And, even if you can tolerate dairy, I recommend that alpha gals stick with vegetarian cheese.
Recipes Using an Immersion Blender
Ready to put your immersion blender to work? Here’s a lineup of immersion blender recipes that’ll have you blending, whipping, and pureeing like a pro. From silky soups to creamy sauces, these dishes will make you wonder how you ever lived without this kitchen MVP.
1
Vegan Lentil Soup
2
Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup
3
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
4
Chicken with Mole Sauce
5
Cilantro Chimichurri
6
Butternut Squash Alfredo Sauce
7
Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
8
Egg-Free Vegan Mayonnaise
9
Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli
10
Homemade Garlic Aioli
11
Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing
12
Homemade Hummus
13
Chimichurri Rice
14
Instant Pot Apple Butter
15
Easy Grape Jam
16
Slow Cooker Fig Jam
17
Cinnamon Apple Sauce
18
Strawberry Puree
19
Cucumber Blueberry Smoothie
20
Banana Milkshake
21
London Fog Latte
22
I see some immersion blender recipes that I am definitely interested in trying! Thank you for such great ideas!
You’ll have to let me know which ones you try and what you think! 🙂