Mirepoix

Mirepoix (meer-pwah) is a combination of onions, carrots, and celery. It is a basic flavoring preparation used in all areas of cooking—not only for flavoring stocks but also for sauces, soups, meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables. Mirepoix ingredients have a fairly neutral taste, so that they contribute important flavor to stock without making it taste like any particular vegetable. (The classical mirepoix of decades ago contained a wider variety of ingredients, sometimes including ham or bacon, leeks and other vegetables, and one or more fresh herbs. The modern version is considerably simplified.)