How to Cut a Chiffonade of Basil
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
1 min
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Total Time
1 min
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Servings
4
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Calories
1 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
French
How to Cut a Chiffonade of Basil
Description
The recipe titled "How to Cut a Chiffonade of Basil" guides the preparation of basil leaves by stacking, rolling, and thinly slicing them into ribbons. This cutting technique uses a chef’s knife to shave the rolled leaves into narrow strips of about 1/8 inch thickness. The purpose is to produce neat, thin ribbons of fresh basil that can be used as an attractive garnish or integrated into recipes requiring fresh chopped basil.
The texture of the basil remains soft and leafy, while the ribbons create a subtle layered effect that enhances both flavor and presentation. The instructions emphasize careful handling and controlled slicing near the knife's handle for safety and precision.
The chiffonade of basil can be served sprinkled over pasta, pizza, caprese salad, or any dish calling for fresh herbs. This technique gently preserves the basil’s flavor and colors, elevating the dish’s visual and aromatic appeal.
It works well for broad-leaf herbs and leafy greens but is unsuitable for smaller herbs like parsley or cilantro. This method offers an easy way to prepare basil uniformly when fresh herbs are needed in recipes or garnishes.
Ingredients
- 10 leaves basil fresh
Instructions
- Stack the basil leaves on top of each other, face-down (so they're curled up), with the largest leaves on the bottom and the smallest leaves on top.
- Roll the leaves tightly starting on the long side of the stack. Hold the roll together firmly with your non-dominant hand.
- Using your best knife (I recommend a high quality chef's knife), start slicing the roll of basil very thinly- no thicker than 1/8 of an inch. Be careful when you get to the end where you're holding it! I recommend using the bottom of the knife- the part that's closest to the handle- since you'll have more control of it
- Use your fingers to separate the ribbons of basil that have formed by slicing the roll. Use the chiffonade of basil to garnish pasta, pizza, caprese salad, or use as an ingredient in any recipe that requires chopped fresh basil.
Notes
- This technique can be applied to other broad-leaf herbs such as mint or sage, as well as leafy greens like spinach.
- Avoid using this method for smaller herbs like parsley or cilantro, which do not chiffonade well.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1kcal | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 66IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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