The ratio is 2:1:1 by weight and it is worth knowing because it travels. Swap the carrot for green pepper and you have the Cajun holy trinity; swap it for fennel and you are in Italy. What changes the result more than the vegetables is the cut: fine dice for a quick sauce that should disappear, big chunks for a stock that gets strained.
The ratio2 parts onion : 1 carrot : 1 celery, by weight. Fine dice to disappear, chunks to strain out.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep10 min
Cook12 min
Makes3 cups
CuisineFrench
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for3cups
Onion
Two parts — the largest share, and the sweetness base.
Cut to match the cookFine dice for anything under thirty minutes, half-inch for a braise, rough chunks for stock. Uniform size matters more than small size.
Sweat, don't brown, for pale dishesMedium-low with a pinch of salt, ten to twelve minutes, until soft and translucent with no colour. The salt pulls water out and stops it catching.
Brown it for dark dishesHigher heat and real colour if the finished dish is a brown braise or a brown stock. The two approaches give completely different results and both are correct.
Add garlic lateGarlic burns in a fraction of the time the other three need. Last two minutes, never at the start.
Make it yoursGreen pepper instead of carrot is the Cajun trinity. Add pancetta and you have an Italian soffritto. Leek and fennel for fish. Freeze it in portions once cooked.
Can you make How to Make Mirepoix in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze How to Make Mirepoix? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make How to Make Mirepoix ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is How to Make Mirepoix gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is How to Make Mirepoix vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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