Basic Preperation Cuts and Shapes

Cutting food into uniform shapes and sizes is important for two reasons. The first is that it ensures even cooking. The second is that it enhances the appearance of the dish.

Here are some other cutting terms/techniques:
Chop: to cut into irregular pieces
Concasser: to chop coarsely
Mince: to chop into very fine pieces
Emincer: to cut into very thin slices
Chiffonade /Shred: to cut into thin strips

Brunoise

1/8 in. 1/8 in. x 1/8 in.
3 mm x 3 mm x 3 mm

Small Dice

1/4 in. x 1/4 in. x 1/4 in.
6 mm x 6 mm x 6 mm

Medium Dice

1/2 in. x 1/2 in. x 1/2 in.
12 mm x 12 mm x 12 mm

Large Dice

3/4 in. x 3/4  in. x 3/4  in.
2 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm

Julienne (allumette potatoes)

1/8 in. 1/8 in. x 2 1/2 in.
3 mm x 3 mm x 6 cm

Batonnet

1/4 in. x 1/4 in. x 2 1/2- 3 in.
6 mm x 6 mm x 6-7.5 cm

French fry (pomme frite)

1/3-1/2 in. square x 3 in.
8-12 mm square x 7.5 cm

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Hearty bowl of beetroot and bean soup garnished with sour cream and fresh dill, set on a wooden kitchen counter.

Vegetarian borshch

120 min • Moderate • 6 to 8 servings

Golden brown quesadillas filled with ham and melted cheese on a plate, with a skillet, knife, and oil bottle in the background.

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Mini spinach quiches arranged on a plate, with a bowl of spinach filling in the background on a kitchen counter.

Pate Brisee

40 min • Moderate • 6 to 10 servings

Bowl of shrimp and pea risotto with olive oil and pepper mill on a wooden kitchen counter.

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25 min • Easy • 2 to 4 servings

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