1 medium carrot
1 stick of celery
1 small onion
salt and pepper
1 tbsp plain flour
1 bay leaf
2 tsp of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, or a combination of them all) or 1 tsp mixed dry herbs
1 tsp yeast extract or 1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp tomato pur茅e
1 tbsp vegetable oil or a good knob of butter
500ml/18fl oz vegetable stock, homemade or made from 1 stock cube
50ml/2fl oz sweet sherry, brandy or wine of choice