Bk #7: Onion's with friends

Cooking is an art that thrives on intuition and the joy of experimenting. It’s about embracing the simplicity of ingredients and techniques to create something delightful.

Cooking is an art that thrives on intuition and the joy of experimenting. It’s about embracing the simplicity of ingredients and techniques to create something delightful. This approach is particularly true for a method that forms the cornerstone of countless soups, stews, and curries. It’s about understanding the harmony between basic vegetables and how with simple layering they create the groundwork for flavour in numerous dishes.

At the heart a set of core ingredients, the humble onion, carrots, and celery. These are not just ingredients but a soulful trio that brings depth and warmth to any dish they grace. In France, this blend is revered as Mirepoix, and across the border in Italy, it transforms into a type of Sofrito, equally cherished and foundational. The beauty lies in the simplicity and the universal appeal these combinations hold in culinary traditions worldwide.

The purists might debate the use of specific oils or the introduction of herbs, and they’re not entirely wrong. The choice of oil can indeed influence the dish’s flavour profile, and herbs can introduce an additional layer of complexity. However, the essence of this technique transcends these variations. It’s a versatile method that lends itself beautifully to personal touches and preferences, alongside what is actually available in the fridge! Making it a fundamental skill for any cook.

The process begins with chopping these friendly aromatic vegetables into uniform sizes, ensuring they cook evenly and harmonize in the pot. The next step is to braise or sauté them gently in a little cooking oil. The goal here is not to brown but to sweat the vegetables, allowing them to release and simmer in their own juices. This gentle softening is key to unlocking the flavours, creating a rich base that serves as the backbeat of the dish being prepared.

Understanding and mastering this simple technique opens up a world of culinary possibilities. It teaches the importance of foundational flavours and how they can be layered and built upon to create dishes that are rich, comforting, and bursting with depth. This is not just cooking; it’s an exploration of flavours and textures, a journey through traditions, and an embrace of culinary simplicity and intuition.