When you get a blender, you expect to use it for drinks or smoothies. That’s pretty much all I ever bought my blenders for, and expected them to do. But over the years blenders started going beyond making drinks, and started to replace the food processor in the kitchen. With multiple options on the control panel, and a pile of recipes you can not only prep dishes in the blender now, but even make things like ice cream and soup.
Ninja sent us one of their Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Compact System to test out in the kitchen, and right out of the box it’s a bit overwhelming. But the system is extremely easy to use and will quickly become a must use appliance in your kitchen. The Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Compact System comes with two Nutri Ninja cups with Sip & Seal Lids, a stainless steel mixing cup and a 40 oz. Blend & Prep Bowl. Everything in the set, with the exception of the stainless steel cup and the base is dishwasher safe for quick and easy clean up.
The Nutri Ninja is a powerful appliance, but Ninja took that into account when they were designing the Nutri Ninja. The base is secured to your counter with over sized suction cups that prevent it from tipping, wobbling or even moving. It also provides a bit of an air gap under the blender to give the engine some air as the blender works. This is probably one of my favorite features to find on a high powered appliance – there is nothing worse than having to hold onto your blender or food processor as it works. Now I can just hit the button and walk away while the Ninja is hard at work.
Like many other food processors and modern blenders, you can’t actually get the Nutri Ninja to start unless the bowl is locked onto the blender base. But unlike other models, the top has to be locked in place as well. Both slide on easy and locking the base is easy to do no matter what size mixing bowl or cup is on top. You will hear a click once the base is properly in place.
I did have a bit of a harder time locking the lid on the prep bowl, and found that if you lift the handle on the top it moves the latch up and makes it easy to lock the top onto the prep bowl. This may seem like an extra step but it actually gives you a little more space in the prep bowl for larger items.
The Nutri Ninja with Auto IQ comes with a recipe book and there are countless others online. But I love the flexibility of the Nutri Ninja and the amount of items I can make it in. I don’t feel bad about giving it space on our counter since it replacing our old blender and food processor, and can easily make up for taking up the space. Even with all of the power packed inside, it still fits under the upper cabinets and is ready to make dishes any time of the day.
Herbed Cauliflower Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Small Head of Cauliflower, washed and broken into florets.
- 3 Tbsp Dried Parsley
- 2 Cloves of Garlic – skin removed
- 2 Tbsp Garlic Olive Oil
Directions:
- In Your Ninja Auto IQ add your garlic, parsley and cauliflower florets. Without the Boost function on press the chop button and watch your Ninja go to work. You may have to run this twice depending on how large your florets are.
- Place your oil in a large pan and turn it on medium heat. Once the oil is heated add in your cauliflower mixture and cook about 5 minutes until it just starts to brown. Serve hot.
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