Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 

1 tablespoon olive oil 

1 onion, (about 1/2 pound), coarsely chopped 

2 carrots, (about 1/4 pound), coarsely chopped 

2 parsnips, (about 1 pound), coarsely chopped 

1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped 

1 bunch (about 1 1/2 pounds) red or green Swiss chard 

Several sprigs fresh thyme 

Several sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley 

1 dried bay leaf 

Preparation

In a medium stockpot over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add onion, and cook, stirring, until caramelized, about 8 minutes. Add carrots, parsnips, and celery; cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

Wash and drain chard thoroughly. Chop into 1-inch pieces. Add to the vegetable mixture. Then add 3 quarts plus 2 cups cold water, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer about 1 hour; liquid should be highly flavored.

Remove from heat, and strain stock through a fine sieve, pressing on vegetables to extract juices. Discard vegetables. Stock can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.