I was never really into cooking, though I always liked eating good food. It was during the pandemic that I developed interest in cooking and started helping out my mother in the kitchen. The first step for cooking anything is to know your basics right. In the initial days, I would just stand there and observe her cook, bombarding her with questions about the masalas, flavours, cooking techniques etc. Then gradually, I progressed and I began by cutting fruits for myself.
In the evenings whenever I would feel hungry, I would take out a papaya or watermelon and dice it into pieces. Definitely, it wasn’t easy at first. I used to get annoyed and simply give up to eat an apple. From fruits to veggies, the journey was long but I managed to reach a stage where today, my mother asks me to chop veggies whenever she needs a fine chop for the dish.
The art of chopping comes with a lot of practice. You need to know how to peel a particular fruit or vegetable, the right direction of chopping them etc. Along with this, you also need to possess the essential tools in the kitchen, sharp knives and a chopping board. Here are some important things to keep in mind when you are chopping in the kitchen.
1. The Board
I’ve seen my mother chop while holding the vegetable in her hand but that’s because she’s an expert. If you’re a beginner or want a fine chop then chopping board is a must. Place the vegetables or fruits on it and slice them in the direction you want. It also helps you slice them in one stroke.
2. The Knives
Blunt knives are never going to help. Keep sharp knives in the kitchen. Blunt knives not only hamper the task of chopping but also spoil the shape of the chopped vegetable, especially where the presentation is important.
3. Hold Right, Chop Right
This has two aspects. One is the way you hold your knife. Always ensure that the tip of the knife is pointed towards the board. The other thing is to curl the fingers on the inside while chopping. Using both these techniques, you can avoid unwanted cuts and injuries.
Now that you know how to chop, here are some chopping hacks to make your life easier.
1. Green Chilies
Fearful of chili burns? Not anymore. Instead of using a knife, replace it with a scissor. This helps to avoid direct contact of skin with the chili and therefore, less chances of burn.
2. Cauliflower
Did you know you could chop a cauliflower without really chopping? Yes, simply slice it into half from the centre and remove the stem. All the florets can be easily separated by hand now.
3. Mango
If you want perfectly sliced mango cubes, this hack is a life-saver. Slice the mango from the center. Take a slice and make slits with a knife both horizontally and vertically. Repeat with the other slice. Now push out the cubes with the help of a knife.