Prep & Assembly
Blend
Whirl ingredients smooth in a blender for purées and silky liquids
Blending whirls ingredients in a blender or with an immersion stick until smooth, the route to silky soups, sauces, smoothies, and purées. The high-speed blades break everything down completely. Start low and build up, and vent hot liquids so steam doesn't blow the lid.
Blending whirls ingredients until smooth — the route to silky soups, sauces, smoothies, and purees. High-speed blades break everything down completely. Start low and build up, and vent hot liquids so steam doesn't blow the lid.
- Difficulty
- Easy
Types & varieties
How to do it
- 1
Add ingredients, liquid first for an easier vortex.
- 2
Start on low and ramp up gradually.
- 3
Vent the lid for hot liquids so steam escapes.
- 4
Blend until completely smooth, scraping down as needed.
Common uses
Tips & pitfalls
- Never fill a blender full with hot liquid — it can erupt.
- Crack the lid and cover with a towel when blending hot soup.
- A little extra liquid helps a stubborn blend get moving.
Good to know
- Tool
- Countertop or immersion blender
- Best for
- Soups, smoothies, sauces, dressings
- Cue
- Completely smooth, no chunks
Also called
puree · liquidize
Dishes that rely on it
Related
Whisk
Beat ingredients smooth and aerated with a looping wire motion
Sift
Pass dry ingredients through mesh to aerate and remove lumps
Strain
Pour through mesh to separate solids from liquid for a smooth result
Filter
Pass liquid through fine material to clarify out the smallest particles
Rice
Press cooked potatoes through small holes for fluffy, lump-free texture
Mash
Crush soft cooked food into a rustic, creamy purée
Grind
Crush food into a coarse to fine texture, from spices to meat
Grate
Shred food into fine bits against a sharp-toothed surface