A mixer grinder is one of the most versatile and essential appliances in any modern kitchen. But let’s face it—sometimes, it ends up gathering dust in the corner, only brought out when it’s time to grind spices or make chutneys. If your mixer grinder is sitting idle and you’re unsure of how to fully utilize its potential, this article is for you!
Here are 10 creative and practical recipes you can whip up with your mixer grinder that will make your kitchen experience more efficient and flavorful.
1. Smoothies and Milkshakes
A healthy and delicious smoothie or milkshake is just a mix of fresh fruits, milk, yogurt, and a dash of honey or sweetener. Your mixer grinder is perfect for blending fruits like bananas, berries, mangoes, and even leafy greens like spinach.
Recipe:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup of milk or almond milk
- 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar
- Ice cubes (optional)
Blend them together in your mixer grinder until smooth for a refreshing drink.
2. Fresh Juices
Forget store-bought juices filled with preservatives—make your own fresh fruit and vegetable juices at home! Use the mixer grinder to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. If you prefer a pulp-free juice, you can strain the mixture.
Recipe:
- 2 oranges
- 1 carrot
- 1 small piece of ginger
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Blend all ingredients together and strain for a refreshing juice.
3. Chutneys and Sauces
Whether it’s a tangy tomato chutney or a spicy green chutney, your mixer grinder can make the process easy. You can also prepare various dips and sauces like pesto or mayonnaise using fresh ingredients.
Recipe:
- 1 cup of fresh coriander leaves
- 2 green chilies
- 1 small piece of ginger
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- Salt to taste
Grind everything together to make a flavorful green chutney.
4. Nut Butters
Making your own peanut butter or almond butter is a healthier and more cost-effective alternative to store-bought versions. All you need are the nuts and some patience.
Recipe:
- 1 cup of roasted peanuts or almonds
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- A drizzle of honey (optional)
Grind the nuts in the mixer until smooth and creamy. You can store it in an airtight jar for a week.
5. Idli and Dosa Batter
If you love South Indian cuisine, then your mixer grinder can help you make the perfect batter for idlis and dosas. Unlike a stone grinder, your mixer grinder will do the job quickly.
Recipe:
- 1 cup of rice
- 1/4 cup of urad dal (split black lentils)
- Salt to taste
Soak the rice and dal for about 6 hours. Grind them together into a smooth batter in your mixer grinder. Let it ferment for a day before using it for making idlis or dosas.
6. Spice Powders
Freshly ground spices elevate the flavor of any dish, and your mixer grinder is perfect for making your own spice powders. You can grind fresh coriander seeds, cumin, mustard, and other whole spices to create the best powders for your curries.
Recipe:
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
Grind all ingredients into a fine powder and store in an airtight container for later use.
7. Homemade Masalas
Creating your own masala mixes can take your cooking to the next level. You can make masalas for curries, snacks, or even specialty dishes like biryani.
Recipe:
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
Grind all spices together for a quick homemade masala mix.
8. Pancake or Waffle Batter
Mixer grinders are perfect for making pancake and waffle batters in minutes. Just blend all the ingredients and pour them onto a hot griddle or waffle iron.
Recipe:
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Blend all ingredients and cook them as pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast.
9. Gravy for Curries
The mixer grinder is the perfect tool for making the base gravy for curries. From sautéing onions, tomatoes, and spices to grinding them into a smooth paste, your mixer grinder will save you time.
Recipe:
- 2 medium onions
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
Grind these ingredients into a smooth paste for a rich curry gravy base.
10. Ice Cream or Frozen Desserts
If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, a mixer grinder can help you make ice cream or other frozen desserts. Just blend fruits, milk, and sweeteners, then freeze the mixture to create a refreshing dessert.
Recipe:
- 2 cups of frozen mango chunks
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Blend everything together and freeze for a few hours to make a simple mango sorbet.
Final Thoughts:
Your mixer grinder is not just for grinding spices or making chutneys. With a little creativity, you can use it to prepare smoothies, gravies, nut butters, batters, and much more! So, the next time you spot that mixer gathering dust in the corner, pull it out and try these simple, delicious recipes. You’ll not only save time in the kitchen but also unlock new culinary possibilities.
Happy cooking!
