Can onion-tomato paste be pressure cooked for faster results?

Question

See how pressure cooking accelerates paste prep without sacrificing flavor.

Answer 1

Yes, onion-tomato paste can be pressure cooked to significantly reduce cooking time and enhance flavor development. Pressure cooking softens the vegetables quickly and intensifies their sweetness.

Detailed Explanation:

Pressure cooking onion-tomato paste is a great way to save time and deepen the flavors of your dish. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Roughly chop onions and tomatoes. You can also add garlic, ginger, and green chilies for extra flavor. The ratio of onion to tomato can vary based on your preference, but a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 1 onion to 2 tomatoes) is a good starting point.

2. Sauté (Optional but Recommended): In the pressure cooker pot, heat a tablespoon or two of oil (vegetable, olive, or ghee) over medium heat. Sauté the onions until they turn translucent. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if you're short on time.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and green chilies (if using) to the pot. Season with salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder (optional). Salt helps to draw out moisture from the vegetables.

4. Pressure Cook: Close the pressure cooker lid securely. Cook on high pressure for 2-3 whistles or for the time recommended by your pressure cooker's manual for soft vegetables. If using an electric pressure cooker, set it to the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' mode for 8-10 minutes.

5. Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally (this takes about 10-15 minutes) or use a quick release method (refer to your pressure cooker's manual). Be extremely careful when releasing pressure manually to avoid burns.

6. Blend: Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid carefully. The mixture will be very hot. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to create a smooth paste. Alternatively, let the mixture cool slightly and then transfer it to a regular blender. Blend until smooth.

7. Sauté Again (Optional): For an even richer flavor and to remove excess moisture, you can sauté the blended paste in the same pot for a few minutes over medium heat. This step is particularly useful if you plan to store the paste for later use.

Pro Tip:

To prevent the 'burn' error in electric pressure cookers, add about 1/2 cup of water or vegetable broth to the pot before pressure cooking, especially if you skip the initial sautéing step. This ensures there's enough liquid to create steam and prevent the food from sticking to the bottom.