How to Cut 7 Tricky Vegetables -

Dinnertime can be a repetitive affair, so it’s good to keep things exciting with the occasional surprise guest vegetable. There are so many weird and wacky veggies out there that you need never get bored of mealtimes – so long as you know how to cope with the more demanding ones.

Yes, some vegetables can be quite confusing to look at. You find yourself facing them armed only with a sharp knife and a faint sense of apprehension. When you are in such a tricky situation, you need to be prepared. A set of electric knives can ease the process. It can also help you get the cooking down quicker! The wise mom will do her research before going too far: dinner’s never going to get cooked if you wind up in the emergency room!

How about that spaghetti squash, for example? This peculiar yellowy-orange number is filled with super-healthy seeds and, when cooked, the vegetable’s flesh peels away in the shape of spaghetti – making it a nutritious alternative to pasta. Unfortunately, all of this goodness is protected by a tough outer skin. So how are you supposed to get into the thing in the first place?

The trick is to use your microwave. Begin by poking a line of slits along the vegetable where you intend to slice it later. This will make it easier to get a clean cut once you’ve softened it. Then put the squash in the microwave for 5-6 minutes, before removing it carefully. It’s ready to cut open now, but you’ll need to use a tea towel so your hand doesn’t get burned.

Hey presto – you’re in! Don’t throw away those seeds, as you can roast them separately later. The squash, however, is ready to roast right away. Put it in the oven, and you’ve got around 30 minutes to whip up an accompanying sauce.

If that sounds easy, you won’t believe how simple it can be to get into a number of other apparently tricky vegetables. Have a look at this new infographic, which contains instructions for a further half-dozen of our most stubborn veggies. You need never fear them again!