Are you familiar with the green, alien-looking vegetable known as kohlrabi? This member of the cabbage family, though a bit unusual in appearance, is a delicious addition to a variety of dishes. Its flavor, a lovely blend of sweet and slightly bitter, really shines when it’s properly prepared. But if you’ve never handled kohlrabi before, you might be puzzled about how to cut it. In this guide, we’ll demystify this fantastic veggie and show you how to cut kohlrabi like a pro.
Preparing the Kohlrabi for Cutting
Before you grab your knife, let’s prepare the kohlrabi. Rinse the bulb under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Then, using a sharp paring knife or vegetable peeler, peel off the thick outer skin. This part can be tough and fibrous, not ideal for eating. Ensure you peel deep enough to reveal the light, crisp flesh inside, which is the part you want to eat. Also, don’t forget to cut off the root end and the leafy top. There, now your kohlrabi is ready for the next step – the actual cutting!
Techniques for Cutting Kohlrabi
Now that we have our peeled kohlrabi, it’s time to cut it. Depending on the recipe you plan to use, you might slice, dice, or grate the kohlrabi. For slices, simply cut the kohlrabi into round, thin pieces. If you want to dice it, first cut the kohlrabi in half, place the cut side down for stability, and then chop into the desired size. To grate the kohlrabi, use a regular cheese grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. No matter which way you cut it, remember that uniformity is key, so that it cooks evenly in your dishes.
How to Store Cut Kohlrabi
After you’ve cut the kohlrabi, you might not use all of it at once. Don’t worry, you can store the leftovers! Simply put the unused portions in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should stay fresh for up to a week. Another tip – if you’ve grated or sliced the kohlrabi, try laying a paper towel in the container to absorb any extra moisture and keep the kohlrabi crisp. Now, you can have fresh, crunchy kohlrabi whenever you want, ready for your favorite recipes.
Using Cut Kohlrabi in Recipes
Now that you have your perfectly cut kohlrabi, let’s put it to use. This versatile veggie can be added to a myriad of dishes. Sliced or diced, kohlrabi can be roasted or sautéed as a delightful side dish. Grated kohlrabi works wonders in coleslaws, salads, or as a crunchy topping for tacos. Even better, try it in a stir-fry or soup, where its sweet yet mildly spicy flavor really shines. The possibilities are nearly endless, and kohlrabi’s unique taste and texture make it a standout ingredient in any recipe.
Conclusion
And there you have it, your complete guide to cutting kohlrabi! Don’t be intimidated by its unusual appearance. As you’ve seen, with just a few simple steps, you can prepare this delightful vegetable in a variety of ways. By mastering these basics, you’ve unlocked a whole new world of culinary possibilities. So the next time you spot a kohlrabi at the grocery store or farmer’s market, don’t hesitate to pick it up. You’re now fully equipped to turn it into something delicious.
