What should you do with a twisty or uneven vegetable, like broccoli stems, before julienning?

Question

Learn how to prep irregular veggies like broccoli stems before julienning.

Answer 1

To julienne twisty or uneven vegetables like broccoli stems, first square them off by cutting away the rounded sides to create a rectangular prism. This provides a stable base for uniform slicing.

Detailed Explanation:

Julienning requires consistent, thin strips. Vegetables with irregular shapes, such as broccoli stems or carrots with thick ends, can be challenging to julienne directly. Here's a step-by-step approach to prepare them:

1. Wash and Trim: Thoroughly wash the vegetable and trim off any unwanted parts, such as the very end of a broccoli stem.

2. Square Off: Use a sharp knife to carefully slice off the rounded or uneven sides of the vegetable. The goal is to create a rectangular or square shape. This provides a flat surface to work with.

3. Flatten the Base: Ensure one side is completely flat so it sits securely on your cutting board. This prevents the vegetable from rolling and causing uneven cuts.

4. Slice into Planks: Cut the squared-off vegetable into thin planks, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

5. Stack and Julienne: Stack a few planks on top of each other and then slice them lengthwise into thin strips, creating the julienne cut.

Pro Tip:

When squaring off the vegetable, don't discard the trimmings! Save them for vegetable stock, soups, or stir-fries to minimize food waste.