Super Kitchen Machine (Thermomix)

The Benriner Cook Help Spiral Vegetable Slicer is not part of the Thermomix. It is a unique tool made by Benriner in Japan, and is perfect for using in combination with Thermomix and Varoma.

I stumbled upon this modest mechanical tool a few months ago while researching raw food recipes — and I had to get one right away! The Benriner company specializes in highly functional slicers and makes a mandoline that is popular with cooks around the world. But it’s the humble little green “Cook Help” model that won me over for the high fun factor and practical punch that it packs.

Tried and tested by discerning foodies, and the darling tool of raw foodists everywhere, this simple and durable hand-cranked vertical turning slicer comes with three removable stainless-steel blades for making continuous long curly strands. The thick setting (4mm) is like spaghetti, and the thinnest (1 mm) resembles angle-hair pasta. (When used with daikon radish, the result is very much like glassy cellophane noodles in texture and feel.) Basically, it does one thing — and it does it really well.

How to use Benriner Cook Help with Thermomix?
Professional chefs rely on the Benriner’s curly strands for ornamental garnishes, but creative Thermomix owners will find many ways to use spiralized veggies. Precisely, uniformly thin, these are perfectly suited for steaming quickly in the Varoma as something else cooks below. Consider using raw or Varoma-steamed vegetable threads as a healthier alternative to noodles. An excellent option for people on gluten-free diets, diabetic diets, or weight-loss diets.  After steaming, these vegetable “mock noodles” can even be combined with regular noodles as a way of introducing more vegetables to the table of those who might otherwise be reluctant. And spirally vegetable threads are a great way to revive a basic bland salad. (Taste buds will get excited just by looking at these fresh and pretty strands. )

 

Different vegetables will yield different results and practicing is fun. See photo (above left) for one example of a parsnip ‘noodle’ that was more than four meters in length!  I found myself re-inspired to try new salad combinations and salad dressing ideas. I’m sure you will too.

Where to get it?
The Benriner Cook Help is a deceptively simple tool that performs better than its imitators. Like the Thermomix, it is a superior kitchen tool that delivers outstanding results in the hands of a creative cook.

There is no substitute, so shop carefully. (While researching, I found raw foodists who had tried several lesser-priced but disappointing slicers before finally discovering the Benriner tool.) I too explored various online sources and found the best price and great service from a reliable North American knife supplier (myKnifePro) who also ships internationally. (European and Australian Thermomix fans will also find Benriner closer to home.)

Try it with:
I’ve had excellent results making Benriner vegetable spirals with zucchini, parsnip, carrot, jicama, beets, English cucumber, kohlrabi, and daikon radish. I have yet to try potatoes, yams, or sweet potato or squash.  I expect some hard fruit such as (fresh) apples and asian pears might also work fine. (Click on the photos above for detailed notes.)

My advice

• Start by using the thick or medium blades and work up to using the thin cutter as you become comfortable with this slicer.
• Prepare vegetables to the right length (about 10 cm) before you start. Wash and peel if necessary.
  
• Also, because the Benriner Cook Help is a vertical spiralizer, requiring pressure from above while cranking (and I am not very tall) I find it more comfortable to use this at table height, rather than on the kitchen counter.
• Each use results in a small food remnant that won’t be spiralized. Don’t waste (!) — just chop and toss into your meal or save for making soup.
• As with Thermomix, this tool cleans quickly and easily immediately after using.
  

Want more?

• Learn more about Benriner at myKnifePro.com >
• See more tools for using with Thermomix >
• Visit Quirky Cooking for a great Raw Pasta Sauce recipe using Thermomix >
  

Have you used a Benriner tool with your Thermomix? I’d love to hear about it!