Italian soffritto

Italian soffritto is a foundational aromatic base used in many Italian dishes, especially ragù (meat sauce). It typically consists of finely diced onions, carrots, and celery slowly sautéed in olive oil or butter until soft and fragrant. This humble trio is the starting point for countless regional recipes across Italy.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Soffritto is low in protein and relatively low in carbohydrates, with most of its calories coming from healthy fats (olive oil) and vegetables. It provides dietary fiber, vitamin A (from carrots), and antioxidants, with a rough calorie estimate of 50-80 per serving depending on oil quantity.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	110 kcal
Protein	1.8 g
Carbs	12.5 g
Fat	6.5 g
Fiber	3.2 g
Sugar	5.8 g
Sodium	380 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	18 mg
Vitamin K	15 mcg
Folate	45 mcg DFE
Manganese	0.3 mg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Vitamin E	1.5 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, soffritto embodies the Italian philosophy of building flavor from simple, quality ingredients rather than complex techniques. Nutritionally, the slow cooking process helps release fat-soluble vitamins and creates a flavor base that enhances the overall dish while adding vegetable nutrients.