How to Cut Vegetables in a Food Processor

A food processor adds speed, consistency and convenience to any kitchen project when you want to save time and energy chopping up vegetables.

Food processors can often slice, dice and even julienne, depending on the model and blade attachments, making them handy for preparing anything from soups and homemade baby food to fresh juices to salads.

1. Purchase the fresh, raw vegetables you plan to cut up in the food processor.
2. Use a large bowl filled with water to wash vegetables.
   
3. Peel any vegetables that require it — such as carrots — with a vegetable peeler.
4. Use a paring knife to chop the ends off vegetables, such as broccoli, onions, garlic, carrots and celery. Peel any onions and garlic that you're using.
5. Cut off any bruised or unwanted parts.
6. Chop vegetables on a cutting board into smaller pieces that will fit into the food processor. Pieces that are 1 to 2 inches long are an optimal size.

1. Place pieces of vegetables into the food processor. Depending on what you are preparing, you may need to chop each vegetable individually. If preparing a stew or soup, add your vegetables to the food processor at one time and cut them all together.
   
2. Place the lid on the food processor, making sure that it's securely closed. Check your manual as needed for latching instructions.
3. Turn the food processor to the appropriate setting, based on how finely you want to cut the vegetables. While the food processor is running, place one hand on the food processor button. Use your other hand to hold the top of the food processor closed.
4. Turn the food processor setting off when the vegetables have chopped to desired thickness. This will depend on your food processor's power and settings and on how quickly your appliance works. In many cases, it takes only a matter of seconds, but err on the side of leaving the food processor on for the minimal amount of time to avoid chopping the vegetables too finely. Use a rubber spatula and spoon to arrange the vegetables in the food processor so that the entire batch of vegetables is cut up in even sizes.
5. Remove the lid from the food processor. Look at the vegetables to assess whether they are cut up enough. If they need to be cut more finely, place the lid back on the food processor, and turn the food processor on again.
6. Continue checking and turning the food processor back on until the vegetables are cut up to your preference.

1. Use a rubber spatula and spoon to remove the vegetables from the food processor after they're cut up to your liking.
2. Wash the food processor parts thoroughly by hand with warm, soapy water.