Materials:
- Mandoline slicer (with a julienne blade)
- Cutting board
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Bowl or container for cubed potatoes
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Potatoes:
- Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt or debris.
- Peel the potatoes if desired, but it's not necessary for most recipes.
2. Set Up Your Mandoline Slicer:
- Attach the julienne blade to the mandoline slicer.
- Adjust the blade to the desired thickness. For cubes, a 1/4-inch (6mm) thickness is usually suitable.
3. Slice the Potatoes:
- Place the potato on the mandoline slicer, with the flat side facing down for stability.
- Use the safety guard or pusher to guide the potato evenly across the blade.
- Slice the potato into julienne strips.
4. Cube the Strips:
- Stack several julienne strips on top of each other, aligning the ends evenly.
- Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut across the stacked strips to create cubes.
5. Repeat the Process:
- Continue slicing and cubing the remaining potatoes until you have the desired amount of cubed potatoes.
6. Clean Up:
- Carefully remove the blade from the mandoline slicer and clean it thoroughly.
- Wash the cutting board and knife to remove any leftover starch.
7. Use or Store the Cubed Potatoes:
- The cubed potatoes are now ready to be used in your recipes, such as stews, soups, salads, or stir-fries.
- If you're not using the cubed potatoes immediately, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for Safety and Efficiency:
- Always use the safety guard or pusher when operating the mandoline slicer to prevent accidents.
- Exercise caution when handling the sharp knife during the cubing process.
- For consistent cube sizes, try to keep the pressure consistent while slicing the potatoes.
- Store cubed potatoes in water to prevent them from turning brown if you're not using them immediately.