I am rather gadget-averse: Before I add something to my kitchen, I need to become sure that I will use it. Last year, I finally convinced myself that I could use an immersion blender and I am happy to report that, since the day it arrived, it has been put to work often enough to justify its purchase.
Recently, during a conversation, the immersion blender was mentioned and I remembered reading, almost a year ago, an article in Italian (referencing one in Spanish) about his inventor, Gabriel Lluelles, whom you can see in this photo with his brainchild. According to the article, Lluelles invented the minipimer in 1959. The name comes from the producing company Pimer (Pequeñas Industrias Mecánico Eléctricas Reunidas). While the name of the gadget in question in Italian is mixer ad immersione (where the first word comes from English), the brand name minipimer is often used.
A few days ago, I used my mixer ad immersione to make something other than soup, and since I liked the result a lot, I will share it here. It was one of those cases in which I made things up as I went along. The dish started with a cavolfiore (cauliflower) that was joined in the steam basket by a cavolo broccolo (broccoli), both cut into florets. After steaming and mashing them with a schiacciapatate (potato masher — after you listen to the audio file, I hope you’ll agree with me that this i a nice-sounding word), I decided that I wanted to add carote (carrots) to the mix. In the vegetable drawer I found a couple of pastinache (parsnips) and I thought they would round up the dish nicely. I washed, peeled and cut the root vegetables into pieces and baked them in an oiled pan at 400 F, together with the leaves of two sprigs of timo (thyme).
When the root vegetables were ready, I added them to the half-mashed cauliflower and broccoli and then realized that the next step would be a perfect application for my immersion blender. You can see the result in the photo. Some parmigiano, (freshly grated), salt and freshly ground black pepper, all to taste, completed the dish. We had it for dinner at a friend’s house as a side dish to crab cakes and I was very pleased with both the flavor and the texture. What can I say? Viva il minipimer! (Hurrah for the immersion blender!)
Update: A more recent post on the immersion blender with better photos.
Click on the button to hear me pronounce the Italian words mentioned in the post:
or launch the mixer ad immersione audio file [mp3].
My immersion blender came into my life last Christmas and I couldn’t live without it. Pesto and dressings are a breeze, as well as smoothies and soup. No washing up too which makes this the ideal gadget to have around.
Per la realizzazione di molte ricette è uno strumento indispensabile e pratico.
Il mio è ormai in età pensionabile e mi dovrò decidere a sostituirlo.
Ciao
I never would have thought to use it for anything other than soup! Now if I only knew where I packed it…..
I love mixing vegetables like that.
YAY for the immersion blender! I use mine quite often, and am happy I don’t have to puree soups in batches in the food processor, as that was always a big mess.
Your vegetable dish sounds excellent!
LL
I received an immersion blender when we were first married. Every single time I used it, the soup ended up on me, the counter, the fridge, the chairs, etc. SO I’m still immersion blender averse. But maybe I should be more open-minded about them in 2009? 🙂
Very cool! I’m glad the immersion blender has earned its keep. 😉 I think I’d like to get one, too.
Paz
Hi Valli. Indeed, it is quite easy to maintain, which is another plus.
Wow, Lenny, vuol dire che lo hai usato molto, il che non mi sorprende.
I am sure you’ll find it one day soon, Katie, packed in one of your boxes.
I tried once to use the food processor for a soup and I wowed: never again. Mr. Lluelles gets thanked every time I use his invention, Lori Lynn.
Hi Susan. I won’t deny that I’ve had spilling accidents myself, mostly when I try to use the blender on a small quantity of something. And the occasional splash still happens. I try to make sure the head is always submerged. We’ll see if 2009 will witness the reconciliation between you and your immersion blender.
Totally recommended, Paz.
I’ve been wanting an immersion blender since forever! My hesitation has been similar to yours: Will I use it, or will it just languish in the cupboard that is the appliance cemetery? However, I’m taking your post as a sign that I should immediately buy one.
Your veggie concoction sounds lovely.
Hi Lisa. I really recommend it. I think this is a tool that, once available, sparks your imagination.