What does the term mise en place refer to in cooking?

Mise en place is a French culinary term that translates to "everything in its place." It refers to the practice of preparing and organizing all ingredients and tools before starting to cook. This includes tasks such as measuring, chopping, and arranging ingredients, as well as gathering necessary equipment. By implementing mise en place, chefs ensure a smoother cooking process, enhance efficiency, and allow for better focus on the actual cooking once they start.

The practice is fundamental in professional kitchens and helps prevent mistakes and delays during service. It supports multitasking and ensures that all elements of a dish are ready for cooking or assembly. This organizational strategy not only improves the workflow in a kitchen but also contributes to the quality and consistency of the final dish.