Onion-Garlic Paste

Most North Indian recipes use an onion-garlic paste as a base. Below are instructions on how to prepare this essential component of Mama’s recipes:

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red onion
1 head of garlic

Method

1. Blend onion and garlic in a food processor until smooth. Heat the oil over high heat in a frying pan, ensuring that the oil does not burn.
2. Add the onion-garlic mixture to the oil and fry, stirring often, until oil begins to separate from onion mixture. If onion starts to stick, add several tablespoons of water to the pan. (This process can take 30 minutes or longer; ensure that the mixture doesn't become too dry, as this slows the process of oil separation.)
3. Spices should be added to the pan along with the onion-garlic paste after the paste has heated through.

Some recipes require that minced ginger is added to the oil prior to the onion-garlic paste. If this is the case, add the onion-garlic paste after the ginger has turned golden.