Can boiled onions be used for making milder pastes?

Question

Learn how boiling onions reduces sharpness for subtle curries.

Answer 1

Yes, boiled onions can be used to make milder pastes. Boiling onions softens their flavor and reduces their pungency, resulting in a milder taste in the final paste.

Detailed Explanation:

Raw onions contain compounds that give them a sharp, pungent flavor. These compounds are released when the onion is cut or crushed. Boiling onions helps to break down these compounds and leach them out into the water. This process significantly reduces the intensity of the onion's flavor, making it suitable for pastes where a milder onion taste is desired. The longer the onions are boiled, the milder they will become. After boiling, the onions can be pureed or blended into a paste, either on their own or with other ingredients, to create a milder flavor profile. The boiling process also softens the onion's texture, making it easier to blend into a smooth paste.

Pro Tip:

If you want to retain some onion flavor while still reducing the pungency, try sautéing the onions in a little oil over low heat until they are translucent before blending them into a paste. This method offers a middle ground between raw and boiled onions.