Soffritto

Purpose

Build a softened aromatic base before the main liquid and pulses enter a soup.

Controls

Fakes cooks onion and carrot in olive oil for 5–7 min until softened and lightly translucent, then garlic for about 30 s. Avoid browning the garlic.

Process

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook diced onion and carrot until softened.
3. Add garlic briefly before tomatoes and lentils.

Failure Modes

Symptom	Likely cause	Corrective action
Harsh garlic flavour	Garlic cooked too long before liquid was added	Add garlic only near the end of the aromatic stage.