To puree onions in a blender, peel and roughly chop the onions, then blend them on high speed until smooth, which should take about 90 seconds.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Steps for Pureeing Onions in a Blender
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Prepare the Onions: Peel the onions completely to remove the papery outer layers. Roughly chop the onions into smaller, even pieces. This helps the blender process them more efficiently and evenly. Larger chunks can strain the blender and lead to inconsistent results.
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Add to Blender: Place the chopped onions into the blender. There's no need to add liquid initially unless you are using a very weak blender. The moisture in the onions themselves is often sufficient to start the process.
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Blend: Start the blender on a low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend until the onions are completely smooth. This usually takes around 90 seconds, but the exact time can vary depending on the blender's power and the amount of onions.
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Check Consistency: Stop the blender and scrape down the sides as needed. This ensures that all the onion pieces are incorporated into the puree. If the puree is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or broth at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
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Adjust and Use: Once pureed, the onion puree can be used immediately or stored.
Tips for Success
- Safety First: Be cautious when blending hot onions, as the steam can build up pressure inside the blender. Vent the lid slightly to release steam and prevent splattering.
- Minimize Tears: Chilling the onions in the freezer for about 15 minutes before chopping can help reduce tearing. You can also run the onions under cold water while peeling and chopping.
- Storage: Store leftover onion puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the puree in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Uses for Onion Puree
Onion puree can be used as a base for:
- Soups
- Sauces
- Stews
- Dips
- Marinades
- Savory garnishes