When it comes tokitchen tools, few things are as indispensable as aMicroplane. Walk into any professional kitchen and you're likely to see an army of prep cooks armed with the things—that's becausechefs love themas much as we do. They're a quick alternative to breaking out the box grater (easier to clean, too), and they make working with a whole host of ingredients a heck of a lot easier.
Think this tool is only good for finely grating or zesting? It's time toexpand your mind.
CITRUS
Zesting citrus fruits like lemons and limes is probably the most common use for a Microplane. A few swipes can instantly brighten up any dish, from leafy salads to a whole-roasted fish.
HARD CHEESES
Good news: You never need to break out the box grater for that hunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano ever again. Whether you're building a sauce for a bowl ofcacio e pepeor finishing atray of lasagna, the Microplane is your best friend.
NUTS
Don't want to add chunky chopped walnuts to your salad for the 27th night in a row? Just grate them and you'll get a snow-like topping for sweet and savory dishes alike.
WHOLE SPICES
If you'retopping a dishwith cinnamon, nutmeg, or star anise, you'll want the aromatic benefits that come with freshly grating.
FIBROUS ROOT VEGETABLES
Grating root vegetables over soups and salads is a great way to impart a subtle hit of flavor from beets or carrots without making them a co-starring ingredient.
GARLIC
Who needs a garlic press? Absolutely no one, if we have anything to say about it. Any any timea recipe calls for minced garlic, just grate it.
CHOCOLATE
切烘焙巧克力是一个伟大的技术, but turn to the trusty Microplane if you're looking to finish a dessert with a few sweet wisps.
LEMONGRASS
Chopping this popular Southeast Asian ingredient can sometimes lead to fairly intense patches of grassy, overbearing citrus flavor. Grating results in the perfect texture if you're looking to incorporate the stuff in acurryor arub for meat.
GINGER AND HORSERADISH
Nothing matches the pure flavor of freshly grated ginger or horseradish. You'll never buy the jarred stuff again.
Still don't have a Microplane? Get one below:
BUY IT:Microplane Black Fine Grater, $15 on Amazon
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