Fresh bell peppers are one of the most versatile vegetables and can be used in many different dishes. They are also delicious both raw and cooked.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to cut the pepper in a way that removes its core and seeds. This can make a huge difference when you’re trying to stuff the pepper or make a fancy stir-fry.
1. Slice
Bell peppers are an essential vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes. They can be sliced, diced, or even ringed, so learning how to cut them can help you save time in the kitchen!
The best way to cut peppers is with a sharp knife. Make sure your knives are clean and sanitized before use.
Place your pepper skin side up on a cutting board and slice lengthwise. Next, slice each piece into strips.
Once you’ve done that, you can cut them into evenly sized squares or chunks.
If you need the peppers for a recipe, store them in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to four months.
You can also snack on raw bell peppers as they are. Just choose brightly colored ones with firm skin and a smooth texture.
2. Chop
Bell peppers are a delicious addition to any meal. They can be added raw or cooked, and are a good source of vitamin C, beta carotene and potassium.
They also contain pyridoxine, a B vitamin that promotes immune function. And they are high in antioxidants, which may help prevent illnesses like heart disease and cancer.
When cooking, you can cut them into thin strips for fajitas or any other recipe that calls for bell peppers. This saves time and eliminates the seeds without making a mess!
To chop them, lay them skin side down on your cutting board and use a sharp knife to remove any white pith that has accumulated. This ensures that you will have an even thickness when you make the final julienne cuts.
3. Dice
Bell peppers can look tricky to dice, but they are actually relatively easy to do with a little know-how. Using the right technique can help you cut them safely and contain as much of the seeds as possible so that you can use them in recipes without wasting any.
One way to cut bell peppers is to slice them lengthwise into strips and then chop them into smaller pieces. This works great when you want to add a fresh, peppery bite to a meal.
Another method is to julienne them. Julienned peppers are perfect for stuffing into chicken and beef fajitas or adding to a Thai salad.
To julienne a bell pepper, first remove the stem and ribs (using a paring knife). Lay it on your cutting board with the top end down.
4. Rings
If you like to add a little spice to your dishes, you’ll want to learn how to cut bell peppers into rings. These thin slices can be used as garnishes, on kabobs, or to top salads and sandwiches.
To make rings, you’ll need a clean cutting board and a sharp knife. The first step is to cut off the top of the pepper.
Once you have done this, remove the core from the remaining pepper. The core can be tough and bitter, so it’s best to remove it before preparing the bell pepper.
Next, check the inside of the pepper for any white fragments or seeds that may have fallen to the bottom. These should be easy to remove, but if you see any of the whitish ribs, you’ll want to try to cut them off.
Lay the hollowed out pepper on its side and cut it into rings. These will be about an inch in diameter.