Preparing Fresh Chillies

Once cut open, chillies sting the skin (see box), so prepare them with care. Wash hands, knife and cutting board thoroughly afterwards, and take particular care not to touch your eyes. Some cooks wear rubber gloves for extra protection.

1. Cut chilli lengthwise in half. Scrape out the seeds with a small knife, removing the membrane with them.

   

2. Flatten the chilli with the palm of your hand and slice lengthwise into strips with a chef’s knife.

   

3. For dice, hold the strips firmly together and slice into equal-sized cubes.