What adjustments would you make to dice very hard ingredients like jicama or raw potato?

Question

Explore methods to safely and cleanly dice very hard ingredients like jicama or raw potato.

Answer 1

To dice very hard ingredients, ensure your knife is sharp, use a stable cutting board, and cut smaller, manageable pieces first before dicing.

Detailed Explanation:

Dicing hard vegetables like jicama or raw potatoes requires a bit more technique and attention to safety. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Sharpen Your Knife: A sharp knife is crucial. A dull knife requires more force, increasing the risk of slipping and injury. Use a honing steel before you start and consider sharpening the knife if it's been a while.
2. Stable Cutting Board: Place a damp towel under your cutting board to prevent it from slipping. This provides a stable surface for safer cutting.
3. Initial Cuts: Start by trimming the vegetable to create a flat, stable base. This prevents it from rolling around while you're cutting.
4. Smaller Sections: Cut the vegetable into smaller, more manageable sections or planks. For a potato, you might cut it in half lengthwise, then each half into planks. For jicama, remove the tough outer skin completely and then cut into planks.
5. Create Sticks: Stack the planks and cut them into sticks of the desired thickness for your dice.
6. Dice: Gather the sticks and cut them crosswise into uniform dice.
7. Maintain Control: Keep your fingers tucked away from the blade using the 'claw' grip. This protects your fingertips and allows for more precise cuts.

Pro Tip:

If you're still struggling, consider briefly microwaving the vegetable for a minute or two to soften it slightly. This can make it easier to cut, but be careful not to overcook it, as it will become mushy.