I purchased The Sainsbury's Basic Hand Blender from my local Sainsbury's store just before Christmas. Whilst food shopping with my husband he pointed it out and said it would be a worthwhile gadget believing it would save me getting out a large food processor when I fancied making something. I can't always be bothered to get out the processor and choose from the many attachments.


As I find chopping and cutting vegetables difficult I thought this item at under five pounds well worth a try.


I have used this now on various tasks but was mostly pleased with the results when making a potato and onion soup. I get fed up wasting left over vegetables after the Sunday roast so have started to make soups.
I wanted to make something tasty and nutritious but also quickly so that I could have some for my lunch. I also wanted to freeze a portion or two.


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POTATO AND ONION SOUP

One large onion

4-5 large potatoes (raw or left over boiled potatoes)

2 tablespoons milk

3/4 pint vegetable stock

pinch salt/pepper

dried or fresh parsley

a little oil

Cut the onions finely and fry gently in a little oil in a medium saucepan for two minutes.
Add chopped potatoes and simmer for five to ten minutes ( Don't let brown)
Add salt and pepper and stock.
Simmer for a few minutes and then turn off heat.
Use the hand blender for one to two minutes, depending on how smooth you require soup to be)
Return to a low heat and then serve.
Add milk and parsley

I served this with buttered crusty bread. The two portions that I froze were tasty when re-cooked at a later date in the microwave.


I found the blender very useful. It did the task at hand well and it was easy to use and decide how long was necessary. However, it was quite heavy but as I didn't need to use it for long this wasn't a problem. Also, it was noisy and the dog started barking when I used it! It could do with a slightly longer cord as I had to use it very close to an electrical socket which could be difficult in some kitchens. It has a high and a low speed.


It was very easy to clean.


Overall, it was well worth the money and I would recommend this as a budget item.