How to Cut a Bell Pepper

If you have been slicing bell peppers by cutting a circle around the stem to remove it; cutting the pepper in half lengthwise; and then emptying out the seeds and cutting out the core, you are creating unnecessary work, not to mention a mess. There is an easier way.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A sharp knife
• A cutting board
• A bell pepper

1. First, hold the pepper upside down, so the stem is against your cutting board. You will notice that the pepper has distinct rounded "bumps" on its bottom (usually three or four), and below each rounded part, the pepper tends to curve outward.

2. Next, simply position the knife on top of each of these curved-out parts, starting at the crest of each bump (not too close to the stem), and make a clean downward cut. The seeds will stay attached to the core (no mess!), and the core to the stem. Discard this part. You will be left with boat-shaped pieces of pepper.

3. Next, place the pepper pieces on the cutting board so the skin is facing upward and you have a steady vs. rocking base.

4. Finally, cut each section into thin lengthwise slices and, if your recipe calls for it, dice the slices by lining them up in rows and cutting the lined-up rows into tiny squares.