How to reduce the moisture in pureed onions?

Question

Learn tricks to remove excess moisture from onion puree for better sautéing.

Answer 1

To reduce moisture in pureed onions, cook the puree over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the excess water evaporates. You can also strain the puree through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve.

Detailed Explanation:

Pureed onions often contain a significant amount of moisture, which can be problematic when using them in recipes where a drier consistency is desired. Here's a breakdown of methods to reduce this moisture:

1. Cooking the Puree: The most common and effective method is to cook the onion puree in a pan over medium heat. This allows the water content to evaporate. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the onions from sticking to the pan and burning. Continue cooking until the puree reaches your desired consistency.

2. Straining the Puree: Another method is to strain the puree. Line a colander or sieve with cheesecloth or use a fine-mesh sieve. Pour the onion puree into the lined sieve and allow the excess liquid to drain. You can gently press down on the puree with a spoon to extract more moisture, but avoid pressing too hard, as this can force solids through the sieve.

3. Combining Methods: For the best results, you can combine both methods. First, cook the puree to reduce some of the moisture, then strain it to remove the remaining excess liquid. This will give you a drier and more concentrated onion puree.

4. Using a Food Mill: A food mill can help separate the pulp from the liquid. While not as effective as straining, it can remove some of the excess moisture.

Pro Tip:

When cooking the onion puree, use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and burning, which can impart a bitter flavor. Also, start with a lower heat and gradually increase it to avoid scorching the onions.