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Champignons need to be cut differently to prepare certain dishes. After all, the final result depends on their shape. The cutting method directly affects the taste and appearance of your favorite dish.
How to properly cut champignon mushrooms
The cutting method depends on the subsequent application. If you need to prepare a small amount quickly, use a well-sharpened knife. The product is cut into soups, salads, sauces and snacks into slices, slices or cubes.
In dishes that require long-term heat treatment, thicker mushroom parts are added so that during the cooking process they do not have time to boil and turn into porridge.
How to properly cut champignons for frying can be seen in the photo and video below.
The cutting method is chosen depending on the further use of the product
Basic methods for cutting champignons
Correctly cutting champignons is the key to the success of any dish. It is worth paying close attention to grinding and understanding all the intricacies before starting the process.
Cubes
Cutting champignons into cubes is not difficult if you understand the principle. First, the cap is separated from the stem. Each part is then cut into the preferred size cubes. This method is used in the preparation of mushroom caviar, fried potatoes, sauces and vegetables.
Depending on the chosen dish, the pieces are made large or small
Straws
Before cutting the champignons into strips, separate the cap from the stem. The latter is cut lengthwise into 4-5 parts, then turned over and chopped again. Repeat the process with the legs. This form is often used in salads.
Do not make the straw very thin, otherwise it will fall apart
In slices
To get even slices, first cut the fruit into two parts. Then, turning half of them upside down, they begin shredding. The smoother the movement of the knife, the smoother the slices will come out. The direction should be from top to bottom.
It’s more beautiful to make the slices the same size
Thin slices
Champignon mushrooms must be cut on a stable cutting board. Cut the fruit in half. Then, with your left hand, comfortably take the half so that your fingers are slightly bent. This will help avoid cutting them along with the mushrooms. After this, cut lengthwise into slices.
Chop the fruits with a sharp medium knife
How to cut a champignon leg
If you need to prepare a stuffed mushroom appetizer, you need to cut off the stem of the champignons. First, remove the film covering the surface of the mushroom. After this, use the tip of a well-sharpened knife to cut off the base of the stem, which is located inside the cap.
To cut the leg as accurately as possible, use a small knife with a sharp end
How to properly cut champignons depending on the purpose of use
To prepare a delicious dish, it is important to properly cut champignons for frying, winter preparation, stewing, salads, first and second courses. The shape depends directly on the chosen recipe and the duration of heat treatment.
For preparation for the winter
If you need to get dry fruits, then they are cut into thin slices. This will dry them in a minimum period of time and help protect against mold formation.
Add cubes or slices to the stew, and first separate the caps from the stems. If you need to freeze the fruits, then small specimens just need to be cut into two parts. But it is better to divide large ones into several medium-sized pieces. You can chop them into thin slices or slices. After this, the prepared product is transferred to plastic bags or plastic containers, closed with lids, and sent to the freezer compartment.
If it is necessary to salt or marinate the product, do not chop it finely. It is enough to cut off the cap from the stem or cut the fruit in half. In this case, the fruiting bodies will retain their shape and will be well saturated with the prepared brine.
Knife movements should be sharp but smooth
For preparing first courses
You can use the product in different shapes in the soup. If you want the mushrooms to stand out well among the other components, then they are given the shape of thin plates. If the task is to fill a hot dish with forest aroma as much as possible, then cut the fruits into small cubes.
You can add fruits cut into two parts to the puree soup. If the mushrooms are pre-fried, then experts recommend chopping them into large cubes. If used to decorate a first course, then chop into thin slices.
Garnish the soup with mushroom slices before serving.
For preparing second courses
You can cut champignons for frying into thin slices. In this case, they will need to be fried first. This will help remove excess moisture from the fruit.
To stuff the caps, the fruiting bodies are placed on a cutting board, the stem is carefully cut off, then the film that connects them is removed. The legs are cut into very small cubes and mixed with the prepared minced meat intended for stuffing.
Cubes, plates or slices are added to the stew. First, the stem is separated from the fruiting body and cut crosswise. As a result, 3-4 parts are obtained. Depending on the size, hats should be cut into 4-7 pieces. Very large specimens are crushed perpendicular to the growth of the legs.
How to properly cut champignons for frying with potatoes, vegetables and meat:
- in slices. With a well-sharpened knife, the plates are separated from top to bottom, one after another. An egg slicer is also used;
- with straws. First you need to chop the product into slices, then chop each one lengthwise. The result will be several even strips;
- cubes. This is a traditional cutting option, the size of which depends on the original size of the fruiting body.
For julienne, it is customary to grind the product into thin strips. Finely chopped cubes are added to the cutlets. The product is cut in the same way for stuffing vegetables with mushrooms. In stews they are used in the form of slices, wedges or sticks. In this case, the pieces should not be too thin, otherwise during prolonged heat treatment they will turn into mush.
Fruit bodies, cut into slices, are used for frying
For cooking porridge
To make the porridge, chop the mushrooms into about 7-8 pieces into small slices. To impart a subtle aroma, use a small amount of forest fruits chopped into small cubes.
In porridge, mushroom slices should not be large
For baking
Very often, mushrooms are added to baked goods. Homemade pizza looks beautiful with sliced fruit. In this case, the caps are not previously separated from the legs. Small mushroom cubes are added to zrazy, pasties, pies and casseroles. Any shape of fruiting body is suitable for pies. Thin plates and slices look especially beautiful in open baked goods.
Homemade baked goods with added mushrooms look more appetizing
For cooking over an open fire
You cannot cut champignons too thin for grilling, otherwise they will quickly become dry. It is worth grinding them into thick plates.
Whole specimens are most often used for barbecue. You can cut the fruits into two parts, large slices or plates. If you make the pieces thin, they will quickly separate from the skewer and fall onto the coals.
The halves are ideal for grilling and barbecuing
For preparing salads and snacks
Salads and various snacks are very tasty with the addition of champignons. Depending on the chosen recipe and the desired appearance of the dish, the product is cut into strips, plates or cubes.
Not only the taste of the dish, but also the appearance depends on the shape of cutting forest fruits.
For sauces
Finely chopped cubes are added to various sauces, which help give the gravy a unique flavor. Thin plates are also used.
Mushrooms in sour cream sauce go well with porridge
What tools can be used to cut champignons?
Chopping large quantities of mushrooms by hand takes too long. To facilitate the process, use an egg slicer. You can get even slices easily and very quickly. If cubes are needed for julienne, then the mushroom is turned over like an egg. It is better to place the fruits with the cap down in the device. This way they won't break and will be easier to grind.
An egg slicer will quickly cope with slicing mushrooms
For very fine chopping, use a food processor.
Place the product in the device and set the “Fine cutting” mode
You can quickly chop the fruiting bodies in an electric shredder. Place the product in the device and grind it.
To do this, install a special attachment designed for cutting into slices, strips or bars.
Conclusion
It is necessary to cut champignons correctly. After all, it is the size and shape that influence the taste of your favorite dish. You can chop with a knife or use a food processor, egg slicer or electric shredder to help.
