Choose the right onions: Yellow onions give balance, while red onions bring sweetness. White onions are milder and less pungent.
Don’t add too much water: Excess water can make the paste watery and affect the texture of your curry. Add only as much as needed to achieve a smooth blend.
Cook before using (if raw paste): Raw onion paste can taste sharp and overpowering. Always sauté it in oil or ghee until golden before adding other ingredients.
Caramelize for depth: For rich curries like korma or butter chicken, sauté onions until golden brown before making a paste. This adds sweetness and body to the dish.
Batch prepare: Make a large batch of onion paste and freeze in small portions for quick weekday cooking.
Add ginger & garlic: For convenience, blend onions with ginger and garlic to create a multipurpose paste for Indian cooking.
Onion Paste vs. Onion Puree vs. Onion Gravy Base
Many home cooks confuse these three, but each has a different purpose in cooking.
| Type | How It’s Made | Texture | Flavor | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onion Paste | Raw or cooked onions blended (sometimes with little water) | Thick, slightly grainy | Strong if raw, sweet if cooked | Curry bases, marinades, gravies |
| Onion Puree | Boiled onions blended until smooth | Silky smooth, lighter | Mild, less pungent | Soups, sauces, creamy gravies |
| Onion Gravy Base | Onions fried until golden, then blended (often with tomatoes & spices) | Thick, rich | Deep, caramelized | Indian curries, biryani, korma |
👉 Quick tip:
Use onion gravy base when you need a ready-to-use curry starter with depth.
Use onion paste for quick, versatile cooking.
Use onion puree when you want a smooth texture without strong onion flavor.
Onion paste is a simple yet powerful ingredient that every home cook should know how to prepare. It not only saves time but also elevates the texture and flavor of your dishes. By understanding the difference between onion paste, onion puree, and onion gravy base, you can choose the right one to create the perfect flavor in every meal.
