Chiffonade

Literally translated, this French phrase means "made of rags." Culinarily, it refers to thin strips or shreds of vegetables (classically, sorrel and lettuce), either lightly sauteed or used raw to garnish soups. Using basil as an example of this technique: Stack four or five leaves on top of each other. Roll the leaves into a tight cylinder. Slice along the cylinder, widthwise, thereby cutting the leaves into thin strips.