Mirepoix is a humble vegetable combination that lays the foundation for big flavor in many dishes.
Wondering what that complex and rich underlying flavor is in a dish?
The one that you just can’t put your finger on?
Credit: Hannah Zimmerman
Chances are it’s mirepoix.
From the humblechicken noodle soupto fancyBoeuf Bourguignon, mirepoix is a common starting point.
What Is Mirepoix?
Credit: Hannah Zimmerman
What Is Mirepoix Made Of?
The combination includesyellow or white onion, carrot, and celery.
But in most modern recipes, the proportions are not as precise.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
SoffritoItalian cuisine calls the same combinationsoffrito, and it’s usually cooked in olive oil.
Sometimes fresh herbs or diced cured meat like pancetta is added.
SofritoThe similarly namedsofritois a staple in Spanish and Latin cuisine.
Credit: Hannah Zimmerman
SuppengrunGermans usesuppengrun(translation: soup greens), which combines carrot, celery or celeriac, and leek.
You’ll find it used in traditional dishes likeetouffeeandjambalaya.
How Large Should the Vegetables Be in Mirepoix?
Credit: Hannah Zimmerman
This ensures that all the vegetable pieces cook at the same rate and to an even degree of doneness.
Generally, the size that you cut your ingredients is determined by the recipe.
A longer-cooking recipe should start with larger pieces so they don’t get too mushy during cooking.
Credit: Hannah Zimmerman
How To Make Mirepoix
Making mirepoix at home is easy if you follow these instructions.
Step 1.
Wash and peel the carrot and scrub the celery.
Credit: Hannah Zimmerman
ensure the vegetable pieces are relatively uniform in size.
Step 2.
When the butter begins to shimmer with heat, add the onion, carrot, and celery.
Step 3.
Saute
Cook the vegetables over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Adjust the heat as needed to prevent them from browning or burning.
Cook the vegetables until they are softened and translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
When vegetables are softened and translucent, they are ready to use in a recipe.
How To Cook With Mirepoix
Making mirepoix is the first step in many recipes.
After the vegetables are cooked to their softened state, proceed with adding the rest of your ingredients.
Mirepoix could be cooled and mixed into ground beef, along with egg and breadcrumbs, formeatloaf.
Or add broth and other ingredients for a flavorfulsoup.
FAQs
Can you freeze mirepoix?
What kind of onion is used in mirepoix?
But in a pinch, the sharper-tasting white or sweeter Vidalia onions could be used.
What other ingredients could I substitute in mirepoix?
Ingredients
1medium onion (about 8 oz.)
1large carrot (about 4 oz.)
2stalks celery (about 4 oz.)
unsalted butter or olive oil
Directions
Peel and remove the top of the onion.
With the root end still attached, cut it into 1/2-inch pieces.
Wash, peel, and trim the ends of the carrot.
Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Wash and trim the ends of the celery.
Cut stalks into 1/2-inch pieces.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat; once melted, add vegetables.
