Mirepoix
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
7-8 minsFree Time
to read a bookmarked article
Mirepoix is a French cooking staple — a simple mix of finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots, that’s typically sautéed to build flavor. It's the backbone of soups, stews, stuffings, sauces, and braises, adding depth and richness to countless dishes.
By cooking mirepoix in the microwave, you can shorten the cooking process without having to babysit it over a hot flame. Once cooked, these aromatics can be conveniently portioned into our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays and frozen for up to six months, ready to use as needed.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
_Kale_1024.jpg?v=1727194569625&options=w_1728)
The Small Square Dish
Flash-steam small portions of food in the microwave, evenly reheat leftovers, or store food in the fridge with the lid’s airtight seal.
2-Tbsp Anytime Freezer Tray
Ingredients
- 1small yellow onion, finely minced or grated
- 1 medium (85g) carrot, finely minced or grated
- 2 celery stalks, finely minced or grated
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
- 4 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
Preparation
- Add the minced vegetables to the Square dish. If you don’t have a food processor, you shred the vegetables using the largest side of a box grater.
- Transfer the veggies, butter, salt, and thyme to a square Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 7-8 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and cooked through.
- Allow the veggies to cool completely before transferring them to Anytime Freezer Trays. freeze for up to 6 months.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Soups and stews: Start your soups with 1-2 tablespoons of mirepoix for added depth of flavor. Try them in Chicken Noodle Soup, Pasta Fagioli, or Matzo Ball Soup.
- Sauces: Boost the flavor of your sauces by starting them with 1-2 tablespoons of mirepoix. Try it in Quick Bolognese, Shortcut Bechamel, Tomato Sauce, or Sausage Gravy.
- Rice and grains seasoning: Use this mirepoix to flavor rice and grains like White Rice, Brown Rice, Couscous, or other grains.
- Thanksgiving prep: Plan ahead for the holiday by makinga big batch of mirepoix! It’ll serve as your shortcut for gravy and stuffings.
Recipe notes
- If you’re planning to freeze the mirepoix ahead of time, use butter or olive oil as they solidify well in the freezer. Avoid using vegetable oils like corn, sunflower, or grapeseed, as they won’t freeze firmly..
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Mirepoix in the Microwave
What is mirepoix?
Mirepoix is a French cooking staple—a simple mix of finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots, that’s typically sautéed to build flavor. It's the backbone of soups, stews, sauces, and braises, adding depth and richness to countless dishes.
Can I make mirepoix in the microwave?
Yes, you can make mirepoix in the microwave using an Anyday dish. Simply chop or grate the vegetables, combine them with fat and seasonings, cover with the lid, and cook in the microwave. This convenient cooking method significantly reduces cooking time and eliminates the need for stirring.
Can I customize the ingredients in my mirepoix?
Absolutely! This recipe follows the classic mirepoix formula, but it can be customized with different vegetables to create other foundational flavors. For example, use a trio of tomatoes, onions, peppers, for a flavorful sofrito base. In New Orleans, they call it ‘The Holy Trinity’ and use a mix of onions, celery, and green bell pepper.
Can I make mirepoix without onions or garlic?
Yes, you can modify mirepoix to meet dietary restrictions by omitting onions or garlic. Substitute with alternatives like shredded cabbage, peppers, or chayote to maintain flavor and texture.
How long can I store mirepoix in the freezer?
Mirepoix can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. For convenience, portion into either 1/2-cup or 2-tablespoon Anytime Freezer Trays, , cover with the lid, and freeze for up to 6 months. .
Can I use frozen mirepoix directly in recipes, or do I need to thaw it first?
You can add frozen mirepoix directly to recipes without thawing. Just place the frozen portions into your Anyday dish and cook with other ingredients such as vegetables, rice, pasta, or chicken.
Can I use any vegetable oil when making mirepoix?
For optimal results when freezing, use oils that solidify at low temperatures, such as extra virgin olive oil or butter. Other vegetable oils, like corn, sunflower, or grapeseed oil, may remain liquid in the freezer and could result in messes.
