Part 3/6:
Setting the Base
Start by heating up a Dutch oven or a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil, which is crucial for achieving a delightful mouthfeel and extracting the flavors from the aromatics.
Once the oil is hot, add your finely diced carrots, onions, and garlic. Sprinkle in a couple of pinches of salt and let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes. The goal here is to soften the vegetables and slightly brown the onions, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Flavor Boosters
Next, incorporate the tomato paste and your spice mixture, mixing thoroughly. This step is vital as the tomato paste needs to coat the vegetables to build up a robust flavor. If it starts to stick to the pan, deglaze it with a splash of water or vegetable broth.