To mandolin red onion, rotate the onion as you bring it down on the mandoline to create even slices, adjusting the thickness as needed.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Preparation: Peel the red onion and cut off the top and root end to create a flat surface for stability.
- Mandoline Setup: Adjust your mandoline to the desired thickness. Start with a thicker setting (e.g., 1/8 inch or 3mm) and adjust to a thinner setting if needed. Thinner slices are great for salads or garnishes, while slightly thicker slices can be used for cooking.
- Slicing Technique:
- Hold the onion firmly against the mandoline's handguard to protect your fingers.
- Slide the onion down the mandoline blade, applying even pressure.
- Rotate the onion slightly with each pass to ensure uniform slices.
- After the first one or two slices, evaluate the thinness and adjust the mandoline accordingly.
- Safety: Always use the handguard provided with your mandoline to avoid cuts.
- Adjusting Thickness: Mandolines often allow you to adjust the thickness of the slices. Experiment to find the thickness that suits your needs, considering your cooking time and desired texture.
Tips for Success:
- If the onion is very large, you may want to cut it in half before mandolining.
- Work carefully and deliberately to avoid injuries.
- Practice makes perfect!