Add this knife talent to your toolbox to leave a lasting impression.
If you have been guilty of passing over recipes that use the word “julienne,” it is time to understand the French technique finally. But don’t be concerned; the complicated-sounding knife cut is much simpler to execute than it sounds, and the result will be vegetables that look as wonderful as they taste. So please take out a bag of carrots, put your cutting board in its proper position, and get ready to start chopping.
Why Do You Julienne Carrots?
Even though you can julienne a wide variety of vegetables (such as potatoes, bell peppers, and parsnips, for example), julienne carrots are the most flexible. Carrots that have been julienned are an excellent addition to spring rolls; they are also simple to spear in salads and slaws and make an attractive garnish for soups or entrees. Because of their small size, they cook quickly, making them an excellent option for accompaniments thrown together at the last minute.
What Size Is the Julienne Cut?
Julienne cuts are commonly between 2 and 3 inches long and 1/8 inch thick, even though there is no standard size for a julienne cut, and it can be any desired length.
How to Julienne Carrots
Step 1: Trim and Peel the Carrots
Remove the end of the stem that is attached to each carrot. The next step is to peel the carrots so that all matchsticks appear the same.
Step 2: Segment the Carrots
Carrots should be cut into segments that are the required length for your julienne, most likely between 2 and 3 inches.
Step 3: Square off the Carrot
You can construct a rectangle or a cube with the carrots by slicing off the rounded sides so that they lie flat on your cutting surface. You can julienne the scraps by slicing them into thin strips, with a thickness of about 1/8 inch all the way around, or you can save them for later purposes.
Step 4: Cut Planks
Cut each square or rectangular piece into planks that are 1/8 of an inch thick.
Step 5: Cut the Planks into Strips
After stacking the boards one on top of the other, cut them lengthwise into 1/8 of an inch thick strips. This is your Julienne cut!
Can You Julienne Carrots Without a Knife?
Yes! You could use a julienne peeler, a food processor with a mandoline blade, or a mandoline with a julienne blade, but the results will be less accurate with the first two options.
How to Use Julienned Carrots
As was just indicated, carrots that have been julienned are frequently used in uncooked dishes like salads and coleslaw. However, they are also delicious when cooked and used in meals. Carrots that have been julienned can be readily stuffed into a papillote packet during cooking. Are you making a roulade from scratch? Julienne will undoubtedly become one of your trusted allies. Now that you have this new knife cut, the options are limitless.
Learn more: How to Boil Chicken