What should you do with a slippery vegetable, like a peeled beet, before julienning?

Question

Get tips on prepping slippery vegetables safely for julienning.

Answer 1

To safely julienne a slippery vegetable like a peeled beet, dry it thoroughly with paper towels and create a stable base by slicing off a thin piece from one side.

Detailed Explanation:

Julienning involves cutting vegetables into thin, matchstick-like strips. A slippery surface significantly increases the risk of cutting yourself. Here's a step-by-step approach to safely julienne a slippery vegetable:

1. Wash and Peel: Begin by washing the beet thoroughly to remove any dirt. Then, peel the beet using a vegetable peeler.

2. Dry Thoroughly: Use paper towels to completely dry the peeled beet. This is crucial for improving your grip and preventing slippage.

3. Create a Stable Base: Place the beet on a cutting board. Slice off a thin piece from one side to create a flat, stable surface. This prevents the beet from rolling around while you're cutting.

4. Cut into Planks: Cut the beet into planks that are roughly the desired length of your julienned strips.

5. Julienne: Stack a few planks together and carefully slice them into thin strips, creating the julienne cut.

6. Maintain a Safe Grip: Keep your fingers tucked away from the blade using the claw grip technique. This protects your fingertips and knuckles.

Pro Tip:

If the beet is still slippery after drying, lightly dust it with cornstarch or tapioca starch. This will provide a better grip without significantly affecting the flavor or texture of the final dish.