Share
Capsicum, also known as bell pepper, is a versatile vegetable that finds its way into countless dishes, from stir-fries to salads. Its vibrant colours and crisp texture make it a favourite in kitchens worldwide. However, cutting capsicum correctly can significantly impact its cooking and presentation. Each dish demands a specific style of chopping to ensure even cooking, flavour distribution, and visual appeal. Whether you're preparing noodles, gravies, or fresh salads, knowing how to cut capsicum can transform your culinary experience.
Video Credits: Kabita's Kitchen/ YouTube
This guide will cover five essential tips to help you cut capsicum perfectly for various dishes. These methods are simple and efficient and will save you time while ensuring your dishes turn out as delicious as possible.
Remove The Seeds
The first step in cutting capsicum is removing the seeds. Start by slicing off the top and bottom portions. This exposes the core, making it easier to remove. Insert your knife into the capsicum's cavity and carefully rotate it around the centre. This helps separate the core and seeds from the flesh in one clean motion.
Once the core is removed, gently tap the capsicum to shake out any remaining seeds. This step is crucial as the seeds can add an unwanted bitterness and alter the dish’s texture. Removing them also ensures your capsicum is ready for precise cutting, regardless of the dish you’re preparing.
Chopping Capsicum For Noodles
Capsicum adds a delightful crunch and mild sweetness to noodle dishes, but the key is cutting it into thin, even strips. After removing the seeds, slice the capsicum lengthwise into halves. Place the halves flat on a cutting board and julienne them into thin strips.
Thinly sliced capsicum cooks quickly and evenly, blending seamlessly with other ingredients like carrots, beans, or onions in noodles. Avoid chopping capsicum too roughly, as uneven cuts may lead to uneven cooking, with some pieces staying raw while others overcook. A julienne cut ensures every bite is flavourful and perfectly cooked.
Image Credits: Freepik
Cutting Capsicum For Gravies Or Sabzi
When preparing Indian gravies like Shahi Paneer or vegetable-based sabzi, capsicum needs to be chopped into small, uniform pieces. This allows it to cook evenly and absorb the spices and flavours of the dish.
After removing the seeds, cut the capsicum into quarters. Lay each quarter flat on the cutting board and slice it into small squares or cubes. Smaller pieces also blend well when the gravy is pureed, ensuring a smooth, flavourful texture. This method is ideal for Indian curries, stir-fries, or any dish where capsicum needs to meld with other ingredients.
Cutting Capsicum For Salads
Capsicum’s crispness and bright colours make it a salad star. For salads, the goal is to achieve a uniform, appealing cut that complements the other ingredients. Start by slicing off the top and bottom, then cut along the sides to separate the flesh from the core.
Lay the capsicum’s flat sides on a cutting board and slice them into long strips. If you prefer finer cuts, stack the strips together and chop them crosswise into small, even pieces. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, preserving the capsicum's crunch and making it visually pleasing for salads.
Image Credits: Freepik
Final Tip: Use A Sharp Knife
A sharp knife is an indispensable tool when cutting capsicum. It slices through the vegetable cleanly without crushing or tearing it, preserving its texture and shape. A dull knife, on the other hand, can lead to uneven cuts and make the process time-consuming and frustrating.
Before you begin, ensure your knife is sharp and well-maintained. A good-quality chef’s knife or a paring knife works best for cutting capsicum. Using the right tools not only speeds up your prep time but also ensures precision and ease.
