Can you make soup in the Ninja blender?

Making soup in a blender like the Ninja is a quick and easy way to get a nutritious meal on the table. Blending soups allows you to create smooth, creamy textures not always possible with traditional cooking methods. However, there are some important considerations when making soup in the Ninja or any other high-powered blender.

Table of Contents

Can all types of soup be made in the Ninja blender?

The Ninja blender is powerful enough to puree most soup ingredients into a smooth consistency. However, some soups are better suited for the blender than others. Here is a breakdown of what types of soup you can make in the Ninja:

Smooth blended soups: Soups made of vegetables, beans, lentils etc. blend very well in the Ninja. Examples include tomato soup, butternut squash soup, black bean soup, lentil soup.
Creamy blended soups: The Ninja can easily puree cream soups to a perfectly smooth texture. Potato soup, cauliflower soup, broccoli soup turn out great.
Gazpacho: This cold vegetable soup blends beautifully into a refreshing chilled soup.

Fruit soups: Fruit soups made from apples, berries, mangoes, peaches, etc. work well in the Ninja.

Types of soup that are not ideal for the Ninja blender include:

Chunky soups: Soups with large chunks of vegetables or meat will not blend properly. Minestrone, beef and barley soup, chicken noodle soup need a pot for simmering.

Very thin broths: Broths containing small amounts of ingredients may not blend well or could leak from the Ninja pitcher.

What are the benefits of making soup in a Ninja blender?

Here are some of the biggest advantages to blending soups in the Ninja:

Fast and easy: It’s much quicker to simply throw ingredients in the Ninja and blend rather than cooking vegetables and simmering soup on the stovetop.

Better texture: Blending achieves ultrasmooth, creamy soups not possible through regular cooking and mashing.
More nutrients: The powerful Ninja blade crushes veggies and fruits, helping release more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Versatility: You can customize recipes easily by using whatever vegetables, herbs or liquids you want.

Portability: Blended soups can be poured into portable containers for grab-and-go lunches.

What are the downsides to making soup in the Ninja?

There are a few potential cons to keep in mind when using the Ninja blender for soups:

Less control over consistency – It can take some trial and error to get the exact texture you want.

Potential overflow – Filling the pitcher too high can lead to splattering or leakage.
Doesn’t allow simmering – Ingredients are not cooked on the stovetop which impacts flavor development.
Difficult for chunky soups – Large pieces of food often get stuck under the blade.

Heavy pitcher to clean – The Ninja pitcher can be cumbersome to wash, especially after dealing with hot liquids.

How to make soup in the Ninja blender

Here are some tips for successfully making soup in the Ninja blender:

Prep all ingredients – Chop vegetables and measure out all ingredients before adding to the blender.

Don’t overfill – Only fill the Ninja pitcher up to the max fill or liquid line.
Add liquid first – Start by adding your broth, milk or water before the solid ingredients.
Cut food into 1-2 inch pieces – This allows the blade to process smoothly.

Blend in batches – For large volumes of soup, blend in smaller batches to avoid overflow.
Start on a low setting – Gradually turn up speed as ingredients incorporate and puree.
Use the tamper – The tamper helps push ingredients into the blade to blend smoothly.

Vent the lid – Lift lid periodically to allow steam to escape while blending hot soup.
Season at the end – Add salt, pepper and any final touches after blending.

Ninja blender soup recipes

The Ninja blender is perfect for so many delicious and nutritious soups. Here are a few recipe ideas:

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This fresh tomato soup gets creamy texture and flavor from just a bit of heavy cream. Fresh basil adds aromatic flavor.

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash blends perfectly smooth and creamy in the Ninja. Warm curry powder adds comforting spice flavor.

Zucchini Soup with Parmesan

This light yet filling soup features zucchini as the star. Blending the zucchini gives it a rich, creamy consistency without any dairy.

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

Protein-packed black beans and velvety pumpkin combine for a tasty blender soup that’s healthy and hearty.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Blending broccoli florets in the Ninja produces a bright green, ultra-creamy soup. Sharp cheddar cheese adds signature flavor.

Carrot Ginger Soup

Spicy ginger balances the natural sweetness of carrots in this easy vitamin-packed soup for the Ninja blender.

Tips for the best homemade Ninja blender soup

Follow these tips for foolproof soup every time you use your Ninja blender:

Roast vegetables first for deeper flavor.
Sauté aromatics like onion, garlic, ginger before adding to blender.

Use good quality broth for maximum taste.
Add healthy fats like olive oil or coconut milk for creaminess.
Garnish blended soups with fun toppings like croutons, seeds, or avocado.

Make it a meal by pairing with bread, salad or sandwiches.

Storing and freezing Ninja blender soup

Properly storing your blended soups will keep them fresh and tasty. Here are some storage tips:

Allow soup to cool completely before transferring to storage containers.

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Freeze for longer term storage up to 3 months.
Divide into single portions before freezing for easy reheating.

Stir before reheating as separation can occur when thawing.
Avoid freezing soups with dairy or cream to prevent curdling.

Cleaning the Ninja blender pitcher after making soup

Since blended soups often contain hot liquid, the Ninja pitcher requires some special care when cleaning up. Here are some tips for easily cleaning the Ninja after making soup:

Rinse pitcher and lid immediately after use to prevent staining.
For stubborn dried on soup, fill pitcher with warm soapy water to soak before scrubbing.
Use a bottle brush to thoroughly clean the blade assembly.

Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers which can damage the surface.
Run the blender empty on high speed with water and dish soap to clean the interior.
Remove lingering odors by blending lemon juice or baking soda with water.

Allow all parts to fully air dry before reassembling to prevent mold growth.

Conclusion

With its powerful motor and well-designed pitcher, the Ninja blender excels at creating amazingly smooth and creamy homemade soups. Just be mindful of overfilling, start on lower speeds and use the tamper for best results. With a little practice, you’ll be able to whip up quick, healthy and delicious soups in your Ninja blender.