The Best Chopper and Food Processor in Egypt: For Molokhia, Garlic, and Dough
The Bottom Line: If most of your work is garlic, onions, Molokhia, and minced meat in small quantities, a small chopper is enough (Moulinex La Moulinette AD5601, or Multi Moulinette if you want a larger capacity). If you shred, slice, and knead, get a full food processor (Moulinex Double Force or Kenwood Multipro Express). And for a small family and small kitchen, Kenwood FP190.
Photo: Teemeah — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Chopper or Food Processor?
A chopper is a small appliance with a single blade that chops quickly: garlic, onions, parsley, Molokhia, meat for kofta or stuffing. A food processor is larger, comes with discs for shredding and slicing, a dough blade, and sometimes a blender.
- If you chop small quantities every day: A chopper is enough and faster to clean.
- If you shred carrots or potatoes or slice a lot of cucumbers: A food processor.
- If you knead pizza or fateer dough: A 1000-watt food processor, or a standalone stand mixer.
Molokhia
Molokhia needs a fine chop without getting mashed and turning into water. A small chopper with short pulses does this well, and some models have a specific Molokhia blade. Do not fill the bowl to the top, and work in batches.
Minced Meat
The chopper minces meat well for small quantities, like kofta or kibbeh for a family. Cut the meat into small cubes, remove the veins, and keep it cold from the fridge. If you are mincing many kilograms, a meat grinder is better than a chopper.
Taameya and Kibbeh
Taameya dough is one of the hardest things on a small chopper because the soaked fava beans are hard and heavy. The small chopper makes it in small batches gently, and a food processor with an 800-watt motor and above makes it all at once. Put the beans, onions, and garlic first, then the herbs, and do not add water so the dough doesn't fall apart in the oil. The same goes for bulgur kibbeh dough: if you make it often, the large processor will save you time and effort.
Garlic and Onions
Garlic chops well in any chopper, but a very small quantity sticks to the sides and doesn't reach the blade. Chop 8 cloves or more at once, and store the rest in a jar with oil in the fridge. Onions release water if chopped too much, so use short pulses if you want cubes instead of juice, and cut them into quarters first to chop evenly.
Make Sure Before You Buy
- Check who the seller is, and whether the warranty is local or international.
- Read the contents list: not every model in the picture comes with the same discs and blades.
- Do the blades detach or not? This makes a huge difference in cleaning.
- If you are going to knead, ask about the maximum amount of flour the appliance can knead at once.
FAQ
Can I mince meat in the chopper?
Yes, for small quantities. Cut it into cubes, remove veins and heavy fat, keep it cold, and use short pulses. Large quantities need a meat grinder.
Why does Molokhia turn watery in the chopper?
Because it was over-chopped or the bowl was full. Use short pulses, a small amount each time, and dry the leaves well after washing.
How do I wash the chopper blade without getting cut?
Hold it by the middle plastic part, and wash it with a brush, not your hand. If the parts are dishwasher safe, put them on the top rack.
Does a food processor replace the blender?
Models that come with a blender jug (like Moulinex Double Force) replace it for juice and soup. Models without a jug do not, because the wide bowl is not suitable for liquids.
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