Full Use Of Your Mandoline Slicer
If once upon a time you treated yourself to a mandoline slicer, but it’s taking pride of place in the back of your pantry now, we’re on hand with all the tips and tricks you’ll need to make the most out of it. There’s actually a lot you can accomplish in the kitchen thanks to this versatile tool. If you’re not getting the best out your mandoline slicer yet, by the end of this article, you will be.
1. Safety First
Providing that you’re using the handguard correctly, using a mandoline to slice food becomes a safer option than using a kitchen knife. However, you must be aware of how sharp and dangerous the blade can be. For the most reliable use and best results, you need to firmly attach the vegetables to the handguard, ensuring that you don’t sacrifice good form for speed. Seriously, the blades aren’t to be messed with, so, you should avoid slicing anything without the guard.
2. Choose The Right Blade For The Job
The best mandoline slicers on the market typically come with three or four slicing blades that you can swap out in place of the standard blade. Each blade will vary from paper thin-slicing to thicker options (such as French fries or potato chips). When it comes to getting used to each blade, you can try them out using a potato so you can determine which blade is best suited for each purpose. It might not seem like the most exciting process, but it’s worth doing so you can get used to your mandoline slicer and each blade.
3. Keep Your Blade Sharp
Although we’ve just banged on about how sharp and dangerous the blade is, it’s also essential that you keep it sharp. Contrary to popular belief, a blunt blade can actually become a hindrance. A sharp edge will give you increased control, so you avoid accidentally cutting yourself. In order to stay safe, you should sharpen or replace it regularly.
4. Keep Your Slicer Stable
The more stable your slicer, the better. Ensure that your mandoline is rested on a flat surface to ensure that it’s not wobbling at all while you slice away.
5. Face Your Slicer Away From You
For the best results, you should push your vegetables directly away from you. Although it can be tempting to turn the slicer to your side, it’s easier and safer to slice away.
6. Choose Manageable Pieces For Slicing
Although it might seem a little counterproductive, you should slice your vegetables into easy to handle pieces before you get down to slicing. Although you won’t need to do it all the time, for larger vegetables it makes life a lot easier. For example, slicing a whole cucumber into smaller pieces will provide a better result. Also, if you’ve cut through the vegetable beforehand, the flat surface will make it much more comfortable and safer to get started.
7. Follow The Guide
It’s important that you use the guide when you’re slicing. Ensure that you keep your vegetables against the guide wall on the side as you push it into the slicing blade. Using the guide properly gives you more control, ensuring cuts are consistent.
If you use it correctly, your mandoline slicer can be a great asset in the kitchen. Not only will it provide a safer way to chop vegetables, but it can also save you time. Whether you’re slicing up oranges for a smoothie or slicing potatoes for a savory slow cooker recipe, it is sure to come in handy.
