mirepoix

Definition

The holy trinity of French cooking: diced onions, carrots, and celery in a 2:1:1 ratio, sweated down to build flavor foundations. The aromatic base that makes everything taste better without stealing the spotlight.

Example Usage

Start the stock by sweating the mirepoix until the onions are translucent.

Origin

Named after Charles-Pierre-Gaston François de Lévis, Duke of Mirepoix, whose chef popularized the combination in 18th century France

Fun Fact

Different cuisines have their own versions: Italy has soffritto, Spain has sofrito, and Louisiana has the Cajun trinity (onions, celery, and bell peppers).

Source: Classical French culinary foundations

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