12/11/2020 (Updated: 10/15/2022) · by Alexandra Shytsman

13 Recipes That Prove a Food Processor is the Most Magical Appliance

12/11/2020

These healthy [and vegan!] food processor recipes are the reason I can’t live without my favorite appliance.

Woman's hands scooping brownie dough into a muffin tin from a food processor bowl.

If you’ve been reading TNB for a while, you’ve probably realized I’m obsessed with my food processor. It has permanent real estate on my kitchen counter, right next to my water pitcher – that’s how essential it is. A food processor is particularly transformative for a plant-based, health-conscious kitchen. It turns cashews into cheese, dates into brownies, and cauliflower into rice, for Christ’s sake. If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is!

I’m a proud owner of this Cuisinart model. It’s roomy enough for everything I make, but not so giant that it takes up too much counter space (of which, in NYC, I have very little). It’s also pretty lightweight, should you need to store it in a cabinet and pull it out as needed.

With the holidays coming up, you may find yourself asking Santa for a food processor – or gifting one to someone you love because you’re a very, very nice person. Below are 13 of my most magical vegan food processor recipes to get excited about…

Baked falafel patties on a gray plate next to tahini sauce.

Crispy Baked Falafel Patties

Falafel patties are great in pita sandwiches, on salads, and as part of a mezze platter.

Vegan black bean dip garnished with cilantro, next to plantain chips.

Mexican-ish Black Bean Dip

Homemade dips are a breeze in a food processor. This black bean number is creamy, tangy, and bursting with herby freshness.

Homemade vegan pesto in a white bowl on a marble table.

The Best Vegan Pesto

Basil, cashews, miso, lemon juice, and EVOO are all you need for homemade pesto.

A bowl of cauliflower rice curry next to a Dutch oven and a saucer with cilantro

Cauliflower Rice Curry with Chickpeas

Homemade cauli rice is way fresher and tastier than store-bought. Just put the florets in the food processor and blitz!

2 bowls of white bean puree topped with garlic sauteed mushrooms on an indigo tablecloth next to a candle and wine classes

White Bean Purée

A food processor turns regular ol’ beans into the fluffiest, most delicious puree.

Peanut butter energy balls on a small baking tray

Peanut-Date Energy Balls

You only need 4 whole food ingredients to make these vegan treats. Perfect for midday snacking and eating on-the-go.

Cabbage pancake on white plate with arugula salad and spicy mayo.

Easy Cabbage Pancakes

The slicing attachment chops a head of cabbage in seconds.

Vegan carrot fritters with lemon tahini on a white oval platter.

Carrot Fritters with Lemon Tahini

The shredding attachment means you’ll never need to fuss with a box grater again.

2 vegan black bean burgers with avocado, watercress, and chipotle mayo on a ceramic tray with a bowl of greens in the background

My Ultimate Veggie Burger

Rich in umami, plenty of protein, minimal mushiness.

Balsamic caramelized onion crostini on a wooden board next to glasses with red wine

Caramelized Onion Crostini

A food processor is indispensable for cashew “ricotta”, a spreadable cheese for the best vegan crostini.

Homemade chocolate hazelnut spread (DIY Nutella) on toast on a wooden cutting board

“Notella” (4-Ingredient Chocolate Hazelnut Spread)

An incredibly delicious chocolate hazelnut spread made with hazelnuts, dates, cocoa powder, and salt.

A round brownie on a white plate with a bite taken out of it

Sugar-Free Date Brownies

The fudgiest, most decadent vegan brownies.

One-ingredient vegan banana ice cream in small Duralex glasses.

Magical No-Churn Banana Ice Cream

A decadent dairy-free frozen treat with zero refined sweeteners.

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