What culinary terms describe the aromatic foundation built using onions and garlic in Western and South Asian dishes?

Answer

Soffritto or Tadka

In many culinary traditions, onions and garlic are fundamental components used early in the cooking process to establish a deep, savory base flavor profile. In contexts related to Western cooking, this slow sautéing of aromatics is often referred to as the *soffritto*. In South Asian cuisine, the process of tempering spices and aromatics in hot oil to release their essence, which serves a similar foundational purpose, is known as *tadka*. Without these ingredients, building savory depth requires focusing on alternative aromatic compounds.

What culinary terms describe the aromatic foundation built using onions and garlic in Western and South Asian dishes?
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