Mirepoix Overview:
Mirepoix is a combination of chopped carrots, celery and onions used to add flavor and aroma to stocks, sauces, soups and other foods. The proportions (by weight) for making mirepoix are 50% onions, 25% carrots and 25% celery.
Mirepoix Pronunciation:
"Meer-pwah"
Chopping Vegetables for Mirepoix:
Mirepoix is ultimately strained out of the finished stock, so it's not important to use great precision when chopping the vegetables. The sizes should be more or less uniform, however, to allow for uniform cooking times.
The more finely mirepoix is chopped, the more quickly its flavor and aroma is released into a stock. Since brown stock is simmered longer than white stock, it's perfectly acceptable to cut the mirepoix into pieces an inch or two in size. For white stock, a ½-inch dice is probably best.
The more finely mirepoix is chopped, the more quickly its flavor and aroma is released into a stock. Since brown stock is simmered longer than white stock, it's perfectly acceptable to cut the mirepoix into pieces an inch or two in size. For white stock, a ½-inch dice is probably best.
Mirepoix in Brown Stock:
Use a pound of mirepoix per 6 quarts of cold water. For added flavor and color, the mirepoix is roasted before adding it to the stock liquid.
Mirepoix in White Stock:
Use a pound of mirepoix per 5 quarts of cold water.
Mirepoix in Fish Stock:
Use half a pound of mirepoix per gallon of cold water. The mirepoix and fish bones can be cooked in butter for a few minutes before adding the water.
Mirepoix Variations:
- Leeks can be used in place of some or all of the onions.
- If you want a colorless stock, you can make a "white mirepoix" by substituting parsnips, mushroom trimmings, or both, for the carrots, or just omitting the carrots altogether.
