How to Chop Parsley Recipe
Parsley is one of those leafy herbs that can really turn a simple pasta into a more fresh robust dish; a roasted chicken becomes even more vibrant with a garnish of parsley on top. Fresh herbs are a great way to elevate every dish and add an additional boost of flavor.
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 large chef's knife
Instructions
- Remove the leaves from the stem of washed and dried parsley and combine them into a small tight pile onto a cutting board.
- The easiest way to cut parsley is by using a sharp knife, starting at one end of the pile, and using a small rocking motion in one direction. Keep the knife at a 30 degree angle, with the tip of the knife down on the cutting board as a pivot.
- Turn the leaves a quarter turn and using the same method, chop the leaves until they are finely chopped.
Notes
- Make sure you use a sharp large knife.
- Since parsley is a soft leafy herb, you want to chop in a rocking motion with as sharp of a knife as possible and cut to the desired size. Use the tip of the knife as a pivot point.
- You can damage the herb's delicate stems by sawing the leaves, turning the parsley brown.
- You will want to remove the leaves by gently plucking them from the stem or using your knife to chop the leaves from the stem.
- Once the leaves are removed you want to combine them into a small pile and gently chop the leaves in one direction using a rocking method.
- You will want to go back through the pile of leaves in the opposite direction using the same method until they are finely chopped.
- If you are using your parsley in a sauce or rub, you can save some time by chopping already washed parsley in a food processor. Hold the button for 2-3 seconds at a time until the parsley is chopped to the desired consistency.
- I do not recommend using the food processor if you plan on using the parsley as a garnish, since the blades can damage the leaves and turn the parsley brown.