What’s the benefit of using onion paste over chopped onions?

Question

Discover how onion paste creates smoother textures and consistent flavor in gravies.

Answer 1

Onion paste cooks more evenly and dissolves seamlessly into sauces and gravies, providing a smoother texture and consistent flavor compared to chopped onions.

Detailed Explanation:

Using onion paste offers several advantages in cooking. Firstly, it ensures even cooking. Chopped onions, especially if unevenly sized, can cook at different rates, leading to some pieces being burnt while others remain undercooked. Onion paste, being a homogenous mixture, cooks uniformly, releasing its flavor consistently throughout the dish.

Secondly, onion paste blends seamlessly into sauces, gravies, and curries. Unlike chopped onions, which can retain their shape and texture, onion paste dissolves into the liquid, creating a smoother and more refined final product. This is particularly beneficial in dishes where a chunky texture is undesirable.

Thirdly, onion paste can intensify the onion flavor. The process of making the paste often involves sautéing the onions, which caramelizes the sugars and deepens the flavor profile. This concentrated flavor is then easily dispersed throughout the dish.

Pro Tip:

To prevent onion paste from sticking to the pan and burning, add a small amount of water or oil while sautéing and stir frequently. This will help to release the onions' natural sugars and prevent them from scorching.