By Published Sept. 16, 2023.
This is Technique #46 from our 100 Techniques Every Home Cook Can Master.
Each technique is broken into three sections: why it works, key steps, and recipes that use it. Learn these recipe building blocks and you'll be set up for a lifetime of cooking success.
Raw vegetables don’t need to be relegated to green salads or crudités platters. One of our favorite easy techniques for preparing delicious vegetable dishes without cooking them is to shave them so thin that they become naturally tenderized.
Shaving expands your raw-vegetable horizons, since this method can be used with soft vegetables like zucchini as well as chewier vegetables like mushrooms and Brussels sprouts and even vegetables you might not think you can eat raw, like beets.
It’s more versatile than spiralizing vegetables into “noodles” because it accommodates any shape or texture of vegetable.
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While a mandoline can be useful, you don’t need one—or any other special equipment. With just a sharp vegetable peeler, you can turn zucchini into long, silky ribbons that retain their delicate texture and fresh flavor. Slicing Brussels sprouts very thinly by hand causes them to have a softer chew. You can even shave raw beets for a salad or slaw using a vegetable peeler.
Chewier, tougher vegetables take to this technique brilliantly. The shaved vegetables can be tossed with a room-temperature dressing and then allowed to rest, which will help tenderize them even further and brighten and enhance their flavors. (Although with softer vegetables such as zucchini, you will most likely want to serve the finished dish promptly, lest these more delicate shaved ribbons become too soft.)
And a warm vinaigrette poured over and tossed with raw vegetables can be yet another way to speed up the softening process.
If you don't have a mandoline, just grab a peeler and follow these simple steps.
Shave zucchini lengthwise into 2 thin ribbons on one side.
Rotate squash 90 degrees and repeat on next side. Continue rotating and peeling squash into thin ribbons until you reach seedy core. Discard core.
Rather use a mandoline? Go for it. Here's how to do it.
Adjust mandoline to thinnest setting and then run zucchini lengthwise down mandoline twice to create 2 long, even ribbons. Rotate 90 degrees and repeat on next side. Continue until you reach seedy core. Discard core.
Take the toughness out of raw brussels sprouts with this easy technique.
Trim ends and halve sprouts.
Slice sprouts as thinly as possible using chef’s knife.
Ready to shave some vegetables and put them to use? Try it with these recipes.
Ready to learn another technique? Choose from our list of 100 Techniques Every Home Cook Can Master.
