We’ve been searching for this for a while…
We’ve tried raw hummus with sprouted chickpeas as well as almonds and cashews, but none of them have turned out good at all.
Sprouting chickpeas and then using them has been a disaster and using almonds and cashews just adds way too much fat. Using the raw tahini is enough fat to begin with!
At the Living Light Cafe, we found a zucchini hummus which was awesome, so here’s a variation of that. Annmarie adapted that recipe and one we found on GoneRaw.com.
Here it is… the moment we’ve all been waiting for…
Your question of the day: What do you like better… Vitamix or BlendTec?
Click here, scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave your comment below!
Beanless, Nutless Raw Hummus!
2 zucchini
1 cup raw tahini
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup raw olive oil
4 cloves garlic
Sea Salt to taste
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
Instructions: Add the zucchini, tahini, garlic, salt and cumin first, then add about half the lemon juice and olive oil. Blend! Add more of the lemon juice and olive oil until you reach the right consistency.
Live Awesome!
Kevin
8:04 pm on August 27th, 2008
blendtec cuz they have awesomr videos. search will it blend on youtube.
8:38 pm on August 27th, 2008
I am getting ready to purchase a new blender so……please let us know what the concensus is between the VitaMix & Blend Tech.!
8:56 pm on August 27th, 2008
I LOVE my vitamix…………..i have had it for
many many years and never had a problem..mine fits under te cabnet with out the lid so it lives next to it……not sure what the k-tec would do better because as we say…………..this vitamix would grind up a tree stump………..
8:57 pm on August 27th, 2008
I just ordered a RED Vita-mix on Monday as I was so inspired from the Raw Food Festival In Fort Bragg so I don’t know yet..
Thanks, marina
9:02 pm on August 27th, 2008
I don;t know about the other two, I have a
L’Equip R.P.M. Blender with Tachometer.
I use it every dsy and I have since the middle of 05.
Btw here is a green hummus you might enjoy.
1 cup peas, hulled
1 cup of broccoli, chop up stems too
1 handfull of spinach
Blend until smooth
Fill your glass and enjoy!!
9:17 pm on August 27th, 2008
I don’t know about the blender question, I don’t have either, but I have used the Vitamix and like it lots : )
Hey, you mention a lot about eating too much fat. What is a good general rule about eating too much fat? How do you know your eating too much or too little?
9:36 pm on August 27th, 2008
Vitamix – Without a doubt the greatest. We have a 3HP and it gets used at least 3-4 times a day. We even take it with us when we go away!
If we travel intersate by plane then we take our Tribest Personal Blender with us!
Love your awesome work, keep it up
9:37 pm on August 27th, 2008
I don’t even know anyone who owns a BlenTec.
My sister gave me my Vita-Mix as a Christmas present (lucky me!). I love it (and my sister, Mary)!!!
I’ve had it for quite a few years and it still works like new!
9:38 pm on August 27th, 2008
My Vita-Mix has been in the family for over 20 years and still going strong. I am short also, so the height of the canister has always been a problem for me. We are currently renovating our kitchen and we are going to build one cabinet much lower than the rest just for the Vita-Mix and the Green Star Juicer. I have extra canisters for my Vita-Mixer so don’t see myself changing to the Blend Tech any time soon. My little 2 HP Vita-Mix works just fine.
10:27 pm on August 27th, 2008
I LOVE MY VITA MIX. TO OPEN THE LID USE A SPOON FROM THE SPOUT & OPEN IT LIKE LETTING AIR OUT FROM A TIGHT JAR. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU DO THAT ON YOUR FUTURE SHOWS. IT OPENS VERY EASILY THAT WAY. GOOD LUCK
GISELLE
10:30 pm on August 27th, 2008
I own both a vita mix and a blendtec…I have had the vita mix for 4 years, use it daily and have not had a problem…LOVE IT!! I recently got caught in the blendtec hype and have purchased one to see (about 2 weeks ago)…so far the vita mix is winning…the vita mix seems better made from the base to the jar it just seems heavier and more durable. I have had trouble w/ the pre-set programs in the blendtec…for example the smoothie time is often not long enough to pulverize the frozen fruit so I am left w/ chunks and need to do a 2nd program to get it smooth. Also, the tamper w/ the vita mix is definitely a plus…I have had to stop the blendtec and push stuff closer to the blades and then mix again. It may be I am not yet used to the blendtec…I do recall a trial and error time w/ the vita mix so time will tell…overall both will get the job done, but the vita mix warranty is almost double the blendtec (unless the Blendtec is purchased at Costco during a live demo…then they increase the 3 yr warranty to match the vita mix warranty of 7 years which is what I did). Consumer reports has also rated the vita mix above the blendtec in a 2007 blender issue. To each his own as I believe there will never be a definitive answer to which is truly the better machine!
10:30 pm on August 27th, 2008
I have the special 20 amp version of the BlendTec, (a bit pricey… but then it is often true what they say, you get what you pay for…) as well as a VitaMix, so I have both. In truth, we now use only the BlendTec, as it has some programmed modes and is MUCH more powerful that the VitaMix… we can blend up avocado pits (should we want to…) and also the most vitamin/enzyme rich part of a pineapple, the tough fibrous middle core, into liquid with only a TINY amount of water added. We also use it as a juicer to rapidly blend up kale, celery, whole lemons (seeds and all…) or what ever else, and then squeeze the puree through a nut milk bag for the BEST yield on veggie juice… the only juicer that could compare to this kind of juice quality and yield would be a $1000 plus Norwalk, and this is easier and faster to clean up than a Norwalk (which, by the way, we also have…). So, using this approach, you get the BEST juicer function, as well as the best blender function in ONE unit, which is, from this perspective, CHEAPER than buying the two units, and takes up less counter space.So there you have it. Aloha, Allen
P.S. I am NOT trying to sell anything here… I am just giving my honest personal experience and, like I said, I have ALL of the equipment to choose from, so I do have my own first hand experience. I recently sold my top of the line Breville juicer, as the BlendTec with a nut milk bag does a better job with the juice. If you want a veggie smoothy, with the fiber, then leave out the nut milk step and drink the juice with the fiber.
10:50 pm on August 27th, 2008
I had the same experience with sprouted chick peas. I do like them added to salads though. I have been trying to decide between the vitamix and blendtec for months now (thank goodness the osterizer is still working). I’m inclined to get the vitamix b/c of so may good reviews but I do like the square shape of the blendtec (easier to pour so I hear) and how it can fit under the counter. I did read some reviews though that said the customer service is horrible for blendtec so I’m not sure…
10:52 pm on August 27th, 2008
Vita-Mix all the way. I have the 4500 which has a newly designed top with clasps on both sides for easy removal.
11:10 pm on August 27th, 2008
Vitamix! Im on day 88 of my juice feast and have been using my vitamix to make juice the whole time. My partner in crime owns a blendtec and used his to make the juice for his feast. On head to head comparison with juice making the vitamix is faster b/c you can use the tamper and it doesnt heat up as quickly. We had problems with the blendtec getting the food hot before it was properly blended which kills enzymes, or still having chunks of produce in the mix.
While the flat lid is nice with the blendtec, if you get stuff on it from a full blender it will drip all over the place when you take the lid off.
The nice thing about the blendtec is the digital controls, so you can program it for things you make all the time, like smoothies. push one button and it will go.
11:13 pm on August 27th, 2008
I have a vita mix, not sure what the other one is. It is tall but if you build your own cupboards you can make a short baking counter and it would be great on there. Lol! I don’t use it as much as I should but it works great!
The lid comes off very easily if you squeeze the 2 spots on the sides or even one and then lift!!
11:16 pm on August 27th, 2008
I watched the demos for both machines before I bought mine and decided to get the Vitamix
because it has such a good reputation of being around for so long and that the blend tec had push buttons and I thought that might breakdown sooner than the knobs. So far after 3 years owning the vitamix, I love it and have had no problems at all with it. I just take the container off and set it beside the base to put it under the cabinet. It does not bother me to do so.
11:36 pm on August 27th, 2008
My BlendTec is Awesome! I researched and thought about it for a very long time before finally purchasing my blender. I borrowed a friend’s Vitamix for a while so I had the feel of it. Then I asked to use a demo model of the KTech at Costco so I could see what it was like as well. I was almost sold by aesthetics alone. It just looks really cool! From the sleek digital blue lighted smart touch buttons, to the (very easy to clean) square carafe, I loved this blender from the start. And the entire unit is not too tall and fits perfectly underneath my kitchen cabinets. And yes, the square pitcher lid easily comes on and off, which is a must for me as I am always adding ingredients to my various recipes while I blend.
And talk about power! The BlendTec is so powerful it’s almost scary. It can crush rocks…literally. And the blades do not seem to be affected at all. I use my BlendTec several times a day to grind grains, make green juices, smoothies and just about anything I want to process. Speaking of which, the food processing option is a major plus too. My blender has a 3-year motor-base warranty, 1-year jar warranty and lifetime coupling-and-blade warranty. All this is not bad for the price…Been using mine for close to 6 months now and the more I use it, the more I appreciate it!
11:38 pm on August 27th, 2008
i want a blend that is good as the vitamixz and does what it does but not that kind of money right now:(
12:01 am on August 28th, 2008
Blendtec rules. I have both and no comparison!
12:27 am on August 28th, 2008
I just received my Blendtec about a week ago after much humming and hawing about $$ and comparing the Vitamix to the Blendtec… and… (drum roll) … I LOVE THE BLENDTEC!
It is getting its workout and is definitely the best purchase I have ever made!
My son even got to throw snowballs in 82 degree weather!
LOVE IT!
12:30 am on August 28th, 2008
I just received my Blendtec about a week ago after much humming and hawing about $$ and comparing the Vitamix to the Blendtec… and… (drum roll) … I LOVE THE BLENDTEC!
It is getting its workout and is definitely the best purchase I have ever made!
My son even got to throw snowballs in 82 degree weather!
LOVE IT!
Oh … and customer service was great when I called (a few times) to figure out options to get it to Canada.
12:47 am on August 28th, 2008
Vitamix, without a doubt! I can’t imagine cooking without it; I’ve had it for many years – 10 or more- without a major problem, customer service is pretty good, not to mention 7 year warranty ( I never had to use it though)-which is actually a good thing!
Thanks for another great recipe Annmarie, I am going to make the hummus as soon as I get my hands on some fresh zucchini – I am sure it’s going to be another hit, as all of your recipes are – even my hard-core steak-eating friends love them!
You guys are great – thank you for all the heart and the positive energy you put into these shows!
1:03 am on August 28th, 2008
I love my 4 yr. old Turbo Blend 4500 VitaMix and have cabinets high enough on one side of kitchen for it to fit. The lid doesn’t bother me and sometimes I add things by removing the Upper clear lid while it’s running. I love the power it has and wouldn’t trade it for a new one.
Carole
2:26 am on August 28th, 2008
I own one of each. For long distance and when circumstances allow, one of these big boys goes with me when I travel; otherwise my Tribest Personal Blender is great for more local daytime travel.
I started with a VitaMix as it came highly recommended and was the only high powered blender I found available at the time. Years later I learned of the K-Tec Champ and I liked what I saw.
BlendTec is the newer company name for the K-Tec and the Champ HP3 is the model.
Now owning and using the Champ HP3 I would have to say my list of comparisons speaks for itself.
The Champ base is smaller and lighter in weight so easier to move around on the counter.
The smooth touch keypad is easier to clean up since it lacks switches and dials on the front.
Between the base and jar heights, the Champ fits comfortably under the cabinets. It is easier to reach for shorter people and not so oppressive sitting on the counter. (VitaMix has added an optional jar for $100.00 with a shorter profile but you still have this huge base sitting on the counter.)
The lid is far more accommodating for easy removal on the Champ.
The Champ does not require a pusher from the top. If it has a problem, it usually means it needs more liquid and this would be a problem for the VitaMix as well.
The Champ has a more powerful motor which reduces processing time.
The Champ has preset programs ready to go for your varied needs … (I particularly like the pulse feature) … but is programmable if you have a particular need. The program keys allow you to walk away from the unit and do other things knowing it will shut off on its own.
Best of all, with 4 smooth sides, the Champ jar is faster and easier to scrape out than the ridged and convoluted insides of the VitaMix. With no pusher and the ease of content removal I waste less of the ingredients when the job is done.
Both do provide their own final easy clean up with turbulent soapy water.
I have to admit the Champ lacks one thing. It does not allow you to set the length of your cord with under base cord control.
Last but not least, even though the Champ is more powerful, it is my opinion that the Champ may be a bit quieter than the VitaMix.
As to customer service; I have had experience with both units and have no complaints with either to date.
6:51 am on August 28th, 2008
I can’t comment on the blenders because I don’t have either of those. I have a L’equip model right now but I’m looking into getting a more powerful blender so let me know what the verdict is!
It’s hilarious the things you do when you’re tired. I stayed up too late last night on YouTube and this morning I nearly put a glass of water in my boyfriend’s bag he takes to work, instead of the bottle of water he usually takes!
7:11 am on August 28th, 2008
BlendTec! What a machine! I got rid of 7 other machines I had when my new BlendTec hit the kitchen! Love how it fits under the counter and it makes the best ice cream! There’s nothing this machine can’t do!
7:56 am on August 28th, 2008
Used to have a Vitamix. After it burned up, I got a Ktec. Both are great!
8:57 am on August 28th, 2008
Hey, Kevin I sure would like for you to include the calories in each of your recipes. I do not want to gain weight but they seem high in calories and I am a bit scared to use.
Please Please do this for all of us.
Gail
9:32 am on August 28th, 2008
Vitamix for sure. We have had ours for many years. It gets some hard use and it is still going strong. They have a great company also. As far as working with you and such.
By the way, I forgot to post how much I loved the raw corn salad. It was soooo good. The kids didn’t care for it. but I loved it!!
12:29 pm on August 28th, 2008
Annmarie-
Use a little coconut or olive oil and rub it around the seal of the vitamix lid to help ease the lid off and on. Keep the inspiring show coming!!
1:58 pm on August 28th, 2008
Vitamix. I have a new one, and the lid and handle have been redesigned for easier use. The handle is rubberized and is more comfortable to hold. The lid is completely different which makes it much easier to put on and take off than before.
I made hummus from sprouted chick peas before and it was TERRIBLE! Thanks.
4:53 pm on August 28th, 2008
The Vitamix for sure! The mechanical controls are more reliable and will last longer…
And, should they ever need replacement, the repair parts would be less expensive and easier….
5:38 pm on August 28th, 2008
The Blend Tech is the bomb. I am short and can’t be bothered with what AnnMarie goes thru with the Vitamix (tall container, hard to remove top). Also there is never any food left in the bottom of the Blend Tech container. Try one, you’ll love it!
Linda
5:49 pm on August 28th, 2008
Hi Kevin…
I have a K-Tec blender and love it. I have used a VitaMix and found the same problems… too high to put under the counter and lid too hard to get off. I love the shape of the K-Tec blender bowl and how it changes speeds so you do not have to plunge it.
I am the recipe author of “May All Be Fed, Diet for a New World” by John Robbins. I will release my 4th cookbook very soon, “Celebrate Life! From the Heart of My Kitchen to Yours.” The recipes are all vegan and meant to help people get off the SAD diet. Lots of familiar tastes and textures. I had a vegan cooking school for 14 years and the recipes were developed during that time. It is not raw but has some great raw recipes. I am raw and see my next book being all raw.
I love what you two are doing. I follow you most every day. You have created a great life for yourselves.
When you are in Santa Cruz, Michael, my partner and I, would love to have you two stay with us. We have a sweet guest room that is very private. Please keep my number (see below) and call us when you are coming to Santa Cruz… and I’d love to do a raw food recipe demo with you. Looking forward to making the Hummas, it sounds great. In Vibrant Health… Jia
6:16 pm on August 28th, 2008
Hi guy’s!
I don’t have either of the blenders. I have a very cheap one I got from a garage sale! Looking to get a Vitamix very soon!
I just made the Hummus! Wow is this great! It taste just like the real thing! My Aunt and I are realy big on Hummus and this weekend we are getting together. I can’t wait to see her face when I tell her, “It’s Raw”!
Thanks so much for this video! You too are the best!
Lin!
7:08 pm on August 28th, 2008
I’m going to be irritating and go completely off topic here. What are your views on parasite cleanses, the ideas surrounding the high percentages of people who have them, etc. What I see is these claims being made by only those who sell expensive cleanse kits, and the traditional medical doesn’t seem to back up the idea (which doesn’t invalidate it, just makes me wonder…)
7:11 pm on August 28th, 2008
Hi, I have a Breville Icon and by far it is the best blender/food processor I have owned. It has a really cool preset for smoothie making, and “snow” which is fluffy ice powder. It is easy to clean and quite attractive too. I recommend buying from Williams Sonoma as they have an outstanding customer satisfaction policy over and beyond manufacturer warranties on the items they sell.
I can’t wait to try this recipe!! I plan to try an artichoke version of this as well. Thanks again for your wonderful show and have a fabulous holiday weekend.
9:42 pm on August 28th, 2008
I HAVE A QUESTION………….
HOW DO ALL OF YOU CLEAN YOU NUT MILK BAGS…..
THIS PART MAKES ME NOT WAT TO USE IT……….
4:21 am on August 29th, 2008
I’ve used both, but own a VitaMix. I didn’t care for the programs on the BlendTec — couldn’t turn it off when I wanted to.
–The newer VitaMixes have different lids, much easier to use. If you purchase a new container (which worked on my older VitaMix) you automatically have the newer lid.
12:00 pm on August 29th, 2008
Don’t use nut milk bags; use a sieve/strainer. It’s cheaper and easy to clean–just pressure spray the thing upside down.
3:47 pm on August 29th, 2008
Hi guys,
Went to Native Sun to buy some zuccinis to make the hummus and they have not been able to get any zuccinis lately (organic) so I will have to wait a little longer to make it.
Cindy
6:10 pm on August 29th, 2008
the new vitamix 5200 has a top that comes off easier!
11:13 pm on August 29th, 2008
I love my 20amp Blend Tec! I owned the VitaMix 3600 for 20+years and it is still running at a friend’s house now but the Blend Tec (that I run daily mulitple times for the last 6 mos.) makes silk out of a sow’s ear! Only once did it need a plunger and that was because I put my greens in first…what was I thinking!!! Our green smoothies are so smooth and delicious there is absolutely no comparison. Any raspberry or blackberry seeds disappear…just to name a few.
I also found the raw bean hummus impossible to master and glad to hear you both had trouble too. When I discovered a no bean raw hummus recipe about a year ago I found it very satisfying and easy.
Thanks for all your inspiration and hard work!
10:15 am on August 30th, 2008
I’m really late chiming in ~ but another vote for the BlendTec. We’ve had ours for about 4 months now and we love it.
I can’t compare it to the VM as I’ve never used one. But in researching the 2 (they were my final picks) I chose the BT for a couple reasons. It’s not as tall and fits under our upper cupboards, I didn’t care for that blending stick (I don’t know what it’s called) on the VM, and finally I didn’t like the VM’s knobs/dials but preferred the clean face of the BT for cleaning.
But, I’m sure they’re both great machines! *Ãœ*
7:57 am on August 31st, 2008
My son-in-law has a Vita Mix and the noise of it drives my daughter and grandchildren out of the kitchen. So I bought a Blend Tec. Quieter, fits under the counter, easy to clean, easy to use. I love it!! Push a button and walk away.
7:16 pm on August 31st, 2008
thanks for this recipe!!!!!!! i didn’t like the other raw hummuses either!
as for ktec blend tec. go online and check out blogs of owners of these machines who have had them for at least a year or more. the blend tec/ktec doesnt age well, and soooooo many reviewers have to have parts replaced about once a year. there are alot of problems with these machines still – over time. this is the only reason we got a new vitamix instead. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT PEOPLE’S LONGTERM EXPERIENCE WITH THE KTEC /BLEND TEC. our new vitamix has a top that is easier to get off. i am very tall and most everything about, and for , and in a kitchen is made for short people…so, hey, this is the only thing i know of for us tall people. we have to squat to do anything in the kitchen at the counter. so i think the vitamix is good. haha. nevertheless, i sure wish i could fit it under my cabinets!
2:05 am on September 3rd, 2008
omg I just made this hummus and it is delicious!! thank you so much for the recipe.
9:06 am on September 3rd, 2008
Actually, We’ve had a Waring 3.5hp blender for about a year now, and it’s been great. Since they were the inventors of the blender I figured they’d have the most experience in making a good product. I’d love to put the Vitamix and Blendtec beside the Waring and compare them for several tasks. I do know I killed a few regular blenders before this one, and I use it multiple times daily. It’s built to last!
2:10 pm on September 3rd, 2008
I love you guys. I do! And I so appreciate your show and love the Wed. food shows. But – you’re not serious are you? You really believe that 1 cup of tahina and a half cup of oil has less fat than hummus made with nuts? That’s a very high fat recipe. As with all hight fat recipes, it looks great, but very high fat all the same.
2:24 pm on September 3rd, 2008
Lisa, hummus with nuts has the same amount of tahini, same amount of olive oil PLUS the nuts!
At least this one has the zucchini to bulk it up instead of the nuts!
It’s by no means a low fat recipe, but it does have less fat!
Thanks for commenting!
Kev
3:57 pm on September 3rd, 2008
I add my vote in with the VitaMix gang. I have both. Bought the K-tec first because of Nomi’s recommendations. I burned out the gasket in the container. As someone mentioned in an earlier post, I too would have to stop it and push down the ingredients because it would get stuck (something you are not suppose to have to do). And I could never get the ‘programmable buttons’ to program. The size of the VitaMix doesn’t bother me. I leave my container upside down in a drainer next to the base (which I would do even if it did fit under the cupboards). It really is each to his/her own. If you can demo before you buy that would be the best option.
8:58 pm on September 3rd, 2008
It was so funny to see your latest video on the beanless hummus since I just made some last night on my Blendtec. Love this recipe! With regard to my blender choice, I made myself wait before ordering my high-speed blender until I could do 30 days raw. I talked with friends who loved their Vitamixes, but went with Blendtec because of the quieter sound, amped up speed, and its space efficiency. I’m short and the pitcher is easy to remove and clean and fit under my cabinets. I admit I was a little biased when I saw Tim Van Orden making his super smoothie on YouTube with the Blendtec.
Thanks for your awesome (un)cooking segments! You two make me laugh while I’m learning another delicious raw recipe.
Celebrating Day 75 (raw!)
8:04 am on September 4th, 2008
I owned a Vitamix years ago until my husband burned out the motor.
I found it hard to clean and store on the counter.
I just bought a K-Tec blender, I LOVE IT, the shape is perfect (easy to use and clean, just as good as Vitamix;price is better).
More control on smoothie with digital controls!
12:31 pm on September 5th, 2008
Just finally had time to catch up on my RHS’s
I am on my 19th day of juice feasting and have loved my Vita-mix through it all. I blend all my vegetable in my vitamix, don’t even have to chopp them up small. Then I put it through a nut-milk bag and get tons of juice compared to a juicer.
I did want to say that Jennifer Cornbleet has a zuchini hummus recipe in her book “Raw Food Made Easy for o1 or 2 People” I’ve made it for many guests and family and everyone (including non-veggies) I could never even try the others, just the thought of the prep overwhelmed me. But Love the zuchini make it in minutes.
12:24 pm on September 16th, 2008
I just made this hummus! I was going to make it when this was posted but didn’t have the ingredients. It was amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
2:06 pm on December 12th, 2008
The Vitamix rules! It’s lovely, reliable and quick. No complaints ever!