What tools help with prepping large quantities of aromatics?

Question

Find out which kitchen tools make chopping and prepping aromatics easier and faster.

Answer 1

Food processors and vegetable choppers are excellent tools for quickly prepping large quantities of aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger. These tools significantly reduce chopping time and ensure a more consistent size.

Detailed Explanation:

When dealing with large quantities of aromatics, manual chopping can be time-consuming and tedious. Here's how different tools can help:

1. Food Processor: A food processor is a versatile tool that can chop, mince, and puree aromatics. To use it effectively:

   • Cut the aromatics into smaller pieces (e.g., quarter onions) before adding them to the food processor.

   • Use the pulse function to control the chopping consistency and prevent over-processing into a puree.

   • For onions, consider adding a piece of bread to absorb excess moisture and prevent them from becoming too watery.

2. Vegetable Chopper: A vegetable chopper is specifically designed for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.

   • Choose a chopper with the appropriate grid size for your desired chop.

   • Cut the aromatics into pieces that fit the chopper's container.

   • Press down firmly on the chopper to force the aromatics through the grid.

3. Mandoline Slicer: While primarily for slicing, a mandoline can be used to create uniform slices of aromatics like garlic or shallots. Use caution and the safety guard to avoid cuts.

Pro Tip:

When using a food processor for onions, chill the onions for about 30 minutes before processing. This helps reduce the release of irritating compounds that cause tearing.