| Spiralizer 7-Blade Vegetable Slicer |
Key Takeaways
- A vegetable spiralizer is a kitchen tool that turns vegetables and fruits into noodles, ribbons, or slices.
- Spiralizing is a great way to eat more vegetables, reduce carbs, and add variety to your meals.
- You can spiralize many different types of produce, such as zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, apples, and more.
- There are different kinds of spiralizers, such as handheld, countertop, and electric models. Each one has its pros and cons depending on your needs, budget, and space.
- Spiralized vegetables can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways, such as sautéing, boiling, baking, or roasting.
- There are many delicious and healthy recipes you can make with spiralized vegetables, such as salads, soups, stir-fries, casseroles, and more.
What is a Vegetable Spiralizer?
A Vegetable spiralizer is a kitchen gadget that transforms vegetables and fruits into noodles of different shapes and sizes.
It works by pushing the produce through a blade attachment that cuts it into thin strands or ribbons.
The result is a pile of veggie noodles that look like pasta, but are much lower in calories, carbs, and gluten.
| Photo: alpaksoy |
Spiralizing is not only a fun and easy way to prepare vegetables, but also a healthy one.
By eating more vegetables, you can increase your intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that are beneficial for your health.
Plus, you can reduce your consumption of refined carbs that can spike your blood sugar and lead to weight gain.
Spiralizing also adds variety and creativity to your meals.
You can use different types of vegetables and fruits to make colorful and flavorful dishes that suit your taste buds and dietary preferences.
Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, paleo, keto, gluten-free, or just looking for a way to eat more veggies, spiralizing can help you achieve your goals.
What Can You Spiralize?
You can spiralize almost any type of vegetable or fruit that is firm enough to hold its shape when cut.
Some of the most popular ones are:
- Zucchini: This is the classic choice for making zoodles (zucchini noodles) that can replace pasta in many recipes. Zucchini is low in calories and carbs, but high in water and vitamin C. It has a mild flavor that goes well with any sauce or dressing.
- Carrots: Carrot noodles are crunchy and sweet, perfect for salads or stir-fries. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and other antioxidants that support eye health and immunity.
- Sweet potatoes: Sweet potato noodles are hearty and satisfying, ideal for casseroles or soups. Sweet potatoes are a good source of complex carbs, fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and manganese. They have a natural sweetness that balances well with savory ingredients.
- Beets: Beet noodles are vibrant and earthy, great for salads or roasts. Beets are loaded with nitrates, folate, iron, and other phytochemicals that can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
- Apples: Apple noodles are crisp and juicy, delicious for desserts or snacks. Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Other vegetables and fruits that you can spiralize include:
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Parsnips
- Butternut squash
- Cabbage
- Broccoli stems
- Onions
- Pears
- Peaches
What Kind of Spiralizer Should You Buy?
There are different kinds of spiralizers on the market that vary in size, shape, price, and functionality.
Here are some of the main types:
1. Handheld Spiralizer
A handheld spiralizer is a small and simple device that looks like a peeler with teeth.
It has a single blade that cuts the produce into thin noodles as you twist it by hand.
| Oxo handheld spiralizer |
It is easy to use and store, but it requires more effort and time than other models.
It also has limited options for noodle sizes and shapes, and it can only spiralize small or narrow vegetables.
A handheld spiralizer is best for occasional use or small quantities of veggie noodles. It is also the cheapest option among spiralizers.
2. Countertop Spiralizer
A countertop spiralizer is a larger and more complex device that sits on a flat surface.
It has multiple blades that cut the produce into different sizes and shapes of noodles as you crank it by hand.
| Countertop spiralizer |
It also has more parts to clean and store, and it can be tricky to assemble and operate.
A countertop spiralizer is best for regular use or large quantities of veggie noodles.
It is also the most versatile option among spiralizers.
3. Electric Spiralizer
An electric spiralizer is a modern and convenient device that plugs into a power outlet.
It has one or more blades that cut the produce into noodles as you feed it into a chute.
| Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Vegetable Spiralizer & Slicer |
It is effortless and quick, but it is more expensive than other models. It also needs electricity to work, and it can be noisy and bulky.
An electric spiralizer is best for frequent use or convenience. It is also the easiest option among spiralizers.
How to Use a Vegetable Spiralizer?
Using a vegetable spiralizer is not hard, but it does require some preparation and practice.
Here are some general steps to follow:
- Wash and peel the vegetable or fruit you want to spiralize. Some vegetables, such as zucchini or cucumber, do not need to be peeled, but others, such as sweet potato or beet, do.
- Trim both ends of the vegetable or fruit to create a flat base. This will help it fit better into the spiralizer and make it easier to cut.
- Choose the blade you want to use depending on the size and shape of noodles you want. Most spiralizers come with different blade options, such as thin, thick, or ribbon. Refer to the manual of your spiralizer for more details on how to attach and change the blades.
- Secure the vegetable or fruit onto the spiralizer according to the type of model you have. For handheld spiralizers, you need to insert one end of the produce into the blade and hold the other end with your hand. For countertop spiralizers, you need to push one end of the produce onto a spiked handle and secure the other end onto a pronged holder. For electric spiralizers, you need to place the produce into a feeding tube and press it down with a pusher.
- Start spiralizing by twisting, cranking, or pushing the produce through the blade. For handheld spiralizers, you need to twist the produce clockwise while applying gentle pressure. For countertop spiralizers, you need to crank the handle clockwise while pushing the produce forward. For electric spiralizers, you need to press a button and let the machine do the work.
- Collect the noodles as they come out of the spiralizer into a bowl or a plate. You may need to cut them with scissors or a knife if they are too long for your liking.
- Enjoy your veggie noodles raw or cooked in your favourite recipe.
How to Cook Spiralized Vegetables?
Spiralized vegetables can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways depending on your preference and recipe.
Here are some of the most common methods:
1. Raw
Eating spiralized vegetables raw is the easiest and quickest way to enjoy them. It also preserves their nutrients and crunchiness.
You can eat them plain as a snack or toss them with a dressing or a sauce as a salad.
Some vegetables that are good for eating raw are:
- Zucchini
- Cucumber
- Carrot
- Radish
- Apple
2. Sauté
Sautéing spiralized vegetables is a fast and simple way to cook them. It also adds flavor and texture to them.
You can sauté them in oil or butter with some seasonings or herbs as a side dish or mix them with other ingredients as a main dish.
Some vegetables that are good for sautéing are:
- Zucchini
- Carrot
- Sweet potato
- Onion
- Cabbage
3. Boil
Boiling spiralized vegetables is another quick and easy way to cook them. It also makes them soft and tender.
You can boil them in water or broth with some salt as a base for soups or sauces or drain them and serve them as pasta.
Some vegetables that are good for boiling are:
- Zucchini
- Sweet potato
- Turnip
- Parsnip
- Beet
4. Bake
Baking spiralized vegetables is a longer but healthier way to cook them. It also makes them crispy and caramelized.
You can bake them in an oven with some oil and seasonings as a snack or a topping or layer them with cheese and sauce as a casserole.
Some vegetables that are good for baking are:
- Sweet potato
- Butternut squash
- Beet
- Apple
- Pear
5. Roast
Roasting spiralized vegetables is similar to baking but at a higher temperature and for a shorter time.
It also makes them more flavorful and browned.
You can roast them in an oven with some oil and seasonings as a side dish or toss them with nuts and dried fruits as a salad.
Some vegetables that are good for roasting are:
- Carrot
- Parsnip
- Broccoli stem
- Onion
- Cabbage
What Are Some Delicious Vegetable Spiralizer Recipes?
There are many delicious and healthy recipes you can make with spiralized vegetables, such as salads, soups, stir-fries, casseroles, and more.
Here are some examples of vegetable spiralizer recipes that you can try:
1. Zucchini Noodle Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
This is a refreshing and nutritious salad that features raw zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, corn, and avocado.
The creamy avocado dressing is made with yogurt, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro.
It is a perfect summer dish that is low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, toss the zucchini noodles with some salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to release some water. Drain and squeeze out the excess water with a paper towel.
- In a small blender or food processor, combine the avocado, yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large serving bowl, toss the zucchini noodles with the cherry tomatoes, corn, onion, and cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
2. Sweet Potato Noodle Soup with Chicken and Kale
This is a hearty and comforting soup that features spiralized sweet potato noodles, chicken breast, kale, and chicken broth.
The sweet potato noodles add a natural sweetness and texture to the soup.
The chicken breast provides lean protein and the kale adds some greens. It is a warming and filling dish that is easy to make and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and spiralized
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups kale, chopped and stemmed
Directions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic for about 10 minutes or until soft.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the sweet potato noodles and chicken pieces and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the noodles are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the kale and cook for another 5 minutes or until wilted.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot.
3. Carrot Noodle Stir-Fry with Tofu and Peanut Sauce
This is a flavorful and satisfying stir-fry that features spiralized carrot noodles, tofu cubes, and peanut sauce.
The carrot noodles are crunchy and sweet, the tofu cubes are crispy and protein-rich, and the peanut sauce is creamy and spicy.
It is a vegan and gluten-free dish that is easy to make and customizable.
Ingredients
For the tofu:
- 1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the peanut sauce:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup water
For the stir-fry:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and spiralized
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, sliced
Directions
For the tofu:
- Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and toss them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large ziplock bag. Shake well to coat evenly. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the tofu cubes for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
For the peanut sauce:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha sauce, and water until smooth and bubbly. Set aside.
For the stir-fry:
- Heat the oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat and stir-fry the garlic and ginger for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the carrot noodles and broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 10 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Add the tofu cubes and peanut sauce and toss to combine well.
- Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot or cold.
To conclude;
A vegetable spiralizer is a useful and fun kitchen tool that can help you make healthy and delicious veggie noodles.
You can spiralize many different types of vegetables and fruits, such as zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, apples, and more.
You can also choose from different kinds of spiralizers, such as handheld, countertop, and electric models.
You can enjoy your spiralized vegetables raw or cooked in various ways, such as sautéing, boiling, baking, or roasting.
You can also try some of the recipes we have shared with you, such as zucchini noodle salad with creamy avocado dressing, sweet potato noodle soup with chicken and kale, and carrot noodle stir-fry with tofu and peanut sauce.
Spiralizing is a great way to eat more vegetables, reduce carbs, and add variety to your meals.
