Vegetable Soup Starter

Vegetable Soup Starter is a versatile, aromatic base used to build flavorful soups, stews, and sauces. It typically features a mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery sautéed in oil or butter, often with garlic, herbs, and sometimes tomato paste. This foundational preparation is a cornerstone of French and broader Western culinary traditions.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This starter is generally low in calories, carbohydrates, and protein, with minimal fat unless a generous amount of oil or butter is used. It provides a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A from carrots, and various antioxidants from the vegetables.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	1 g
Carbs	5 g
Fat	2.5 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	2.5 g
Sodium	200 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin K	15 mcg
Potassium	180 mg
Manganese	0.2 mg
Folate	25 mcg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Iron	0.5 mg

Per 1/2 cup (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the vegetable soup starter is the essential first step in building deep, complex flavors in countless dishes, embodying the French culinary concept of 'fond de cuisine' or foundation of cooking. Nutritionally, it concentrates the vitamins and minerals of the vegetables into a flavorful base that can enhance the overall nutritional profile of the final dish.