If 1 pound of mirepoix is used in a recipe for 1 gallon of soup, how much is needed for 3 ½ gallons?

To determine the amount of mirepoix needed for 3 ½ gallons of soup based on the ratio provided, one must first understand the relationship between mirepoix and the volume of soup.

The original recipe specifies 1 pound of mirepoix for 1 gallon of soup. Therefore, to find out how much mirepoix is needed for 3 ½ gallons, you would multiply the amount needed for 1 gallon by the total number of gallons being prepared.

Calculating this, you take:

1 pound (for 1 gallon) × 3.5 gallons = 3.5 pounds of mirepoix.

Thus, 3 ½ pounds is the total required for the larger batch of soup. This proportional relationship is fundamental in culinary measurements, as adjusting ingredient quantities based on volume ensures that the flavor and texture of the dish remain balanced. Understanding this ratio helps in scaling recipes accurately, which is essential for consistent culinary results.