How do I stop vegetables from rolling when I cut them?
Cut a thin slice, about 1/4 inch, off one side of the vegetable to make a flat face, then set it down on that face before any other cut. A flat base won't roll, so the vegetable stays put while you slice. It works on onions, potatoes, carrots, apples and squash.
How to do it
- Grip the vegetable with your fingertips curledHold it with your fingertips tucked in so your knuckles, not your fingertips, face the blade. This protects your fingers during the first cut, before the vegetable is stable.
- Slice a thin piece off one sideTake off about 1/4 inch to create a flat face. For long vegetables like carrots or zucchini, take the slice along the length instead of across.
- Set the vegetable down on the flat facePlace it cut side down and press lightly. It should sit still without rocking. If it still wobbles, trim the flat face a little wider.
- Slice with the flat side downMake your cuts while the vegetable sits on its base. If a leftover piece turns round again, give it a new flat side before you keep cutting.
Questions that come up
Doesn't cutting off a side waste part of the vegetable?
Very little. The slice only needs to be about 1/4 inch thick, just enough to make a stable base. You can still chop that piece and add it to the dish, or save it for stock. Nothing is lost except the few seconds the cut takes.
Does this work on hard vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes?
Yes. Hard vegetables are where it matters most, because they take more force and a slip does more damage. The first cut is the risky one, so make it slowly with a sharp, heavy knife. With a very large squash, cut off one end first and stand it on that end.
What if the cutting board slides instead of the vegetable?
That's a separate problem, and the flat side won't fix it. Put a damp paper towel or a thin damp cloth under the board. It grips the counter and stops the board from moving. Use both fixes together for the most stable setup.
Should I do this with tomatoes too?
You can, but it helps less. Tomatoes are soft and usually sit still on their own. The bigger issue there is a dull blade that crushes instead of cutting. A sharp or serrated knife does more for tomatoes than a flat base.
Full transcript
Cut a flat side before slicing anything round. Take one thin slice off the side of the onion, potato, or carrot. Set it down on that flat face, so it can't roll. Now it stays put, and every slice comes out even.