Soffritto: Italian Flavor Base
Soffritto, the aromatic cornerstone of Italian cooking, is a simple yet potent blend of finely diced carrots, celery, and onion gently cooked in olive oil. This fundamental flavor base provides depth and sweetness, making it essential for building authentic Italian sauces, stews, and soups.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 2 stalks celery finely diced
- 1 medium carrot finely diced
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
- Add the finely diced onion, celery, and carrot to the pan.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender and translucent, but not browned.
- Use this aromatic base immediately for your sauces, soups, or stews, or let it cool and store for later use in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
For a richer flavor, cook soffritto slowly over low heat until very tender and slightly caramelized, but not browned. You can prepare a larger batch and freeze portions for quick use in future meals. Adjust vegetable ratios to your preference; some prefer more onion, others more carrot.