Step 1 Chop the onion, celery, carrot and parsnip into one-half-inch pieces.
Step 2 Heat the oil in a medium stock pot over medium-high heat and cook the vegetables, garlic and shallot until softened and aromatic, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the parsley, thyme and bay leaf, along with the salt and water, and increase heat to high. When the stock comes to a boil, reduce the heat and gently simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 3Strain the stock into another pot, discarding the vegetables and herbs.