paysanne

Definition

A rustic knife cut producing thin, flat pieces about 1/2 inch square, named after peasants because apparently peasants couldn't cut uniform brunoise. The casual cousin of precise cuts, proving that not everything needs to be perfect.

Example Usage

The vegetables were cut paysanne for the soup, which is French for 'rough chop with a size guideline.'

Origin

French, meaning 'peasant-style' or 'country-style'

Fun Fact

Paysanne cuts can be square, triangular, or round depending on the vegetable's shape, making it the most forgiving of the classical cuts.

Source: French knife cuts terminology

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