Topic: Base Time

[Tommy Timebomb]

Could anybody please tell me if it's possible to over cook a base.
I don't mean as in burn it I mean is leaving it the longer the better or will this impair the flavour or would it even improve it?

EDIT: I am referring to the initial melting of the onion stage?

[Salvador Dhali]

Could anybody please tell me if it's possible to over cook a base.
I don't mean as in burn it I mean is leaving it the longer the better or will this impair the flavour or would it even improve it?

EDIT: I am referring to the initial melting of the onion stage?

From my experience, once you've reached the oil separation stage (after blending) a base doesn't improve with additional cooking, and I find that you can get a 'stale' smell reminiscent of a school kitchen (well my old school's kitchen, anyway) if you cook your base too long. It's the classic aroma of overcooked veg. (It does seem to improve a little if left to cool and stand overnight, though.)

Including the melting, blending and oil separation stages, I'd say around two hours is the maximum cooking time for a base.

But like so much of this lark, it's a personal thing. Others may have different experiences and opinions, which is what this forum is all about... 

 

[Tommy Timebomb]

Thanks SH, I accidently left my first base on for around 4/5 hours. Thank god it was on the lowest setting my cooker had but it turned out surprisingly good. As I mentioned, it was my first so I was probably just amazed that I had made this!

I recently have gone over the mark I do believe as when I get the sweet onion smell and all looks good I am tending to give it another hour. the smell seem's less intense then but it is probably me getting used to it.