I hear people say that they want to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, but hate to chop, that it just takes too much time. I don’t think there is any one thing more crucial to healthy cooking than being willing to chop some fresh vegetables. But how long does it really take? And is there much of anything we can do with those minutes that is more important than eating healthy food?
Some people, myself included, find chopping veggies to be a very relaxing activity at the end of a busy day, the rhythm of it, the familiarity, sort of a “zen of chopping.” It’s also a way to get more in touch with the food that we are about to eat; the work becomes a part of the whole experience of adding this wonderful, fresh, healthy fuel to our bodies. Get into it.
In any case, here are some things that help make chopping a better experience.
Have the right tools for the job
It’s worth investing in tools you really like for this important task, and well-made ones will last a long time. I like the bamboo cutting boards
Get some space
Have a designated area for chopping, preferably roomy and near your stove. Balancing on the edge of a table or squeezing into a tiny spot amongst the pots and pans “just won’t cut it”.
Keep your knife sharp
Not so sharp that you hurt yourself, but sharp enough to work easily. Use a good knife sharpener
Practice, practice, practice
Notice how efficient those TV chefs are? Or any experienced cook? The more you do it, the better you’ll be. And faster.
Learn some techniques
Slice, dice, mince, julienne, and learn what foods you prefer which way. If you want to see some demos, go to youtube.com and search for “How to Cut Vegetables”.
Get help and have fun
If you are prepping a large quantity, enlist the help of friends and family members on your chopping team. Make it a party.
Make friends with your knife and board. Good friends. It will be worth it.
