Paysanne is best described as which of the following?

• A. A flat piece about 1/2 inch square/round/triangular and 1/8 inch thick
• B. A long matchstick cut
• C. A small cube about 1/4 inch
• D. A thin shred

Answer: (A)

Paysanne is a flat, relatively small vegetable cut used for rustic presentations and quick, even cooking in soups and garnishes. It should be about 1/2 inch across in its widest dimension and about 1/8 inch thick, with shapes that can be square, round, or triangular. This width and thinness give a piece that cooks quickly while staying flat and uniform. It differs from a long matchstick cut (which would be a julienne or batonnet), from a small cube (brunoise or small dice), or from a thin shred (chiffonade or shredding), because those forms are elongated, cubed, or shredded rather than a flat, broad piece.