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Chopping three onions, a knob of ginger and a whole head of garlic for every curry gets old fast. A food processor for curry paste does it in seconds: smooth Thai paste for Thai green curry, onion-tomato masala for butter chicken, ginger-garlic paste for the week and fresh mint chutney on the side.
Food Processor vs Mixer Grinder vs Blender
- Food processor: wide bowl and S-blade – best for chopping onions, making thick pastes and chutneys, and often includes slicing and grating discs.
- Indian mixer grinder: small, powerful jars designed for wet masalas and dry spices. The best tool for very smooth pastes.
- Blender: great for liquid sauces and smoothies, but needs extra liquid to blend thick pastes.
What to Look For
- Bowl size: 7–9 cups suits most families. A mini chopper (3–4 cups) is perfect for small batches of paste.
- Power: at least 500–600 watts for tough ginger, lemongrass and whole spices.
- Pulse button: lets you chop onions finely without turning them into purée.
- Easy cleaning: dishwasher-safe bowls and blades save time, especially after turmeric.
Our Recommended Picks
1. Full-Size Food Processor (Cuisinart or KitchenAid)
The all-rounder. Chops onions for curry in seconds, makes chunky pastes and chutneys, and slices vegetables with the included discs.
Why we like it:
- Large capacity
- Very versatile
- Pulse for precise chopping
Keep in mind:
- Takes up counter space
- Very smooth pastes need a little liquid
See Full-Size Food Processor (Cuisinart or KitchenAid) on Amazon →
2. Mini Chopper
A small, inexpensive chopper that is perfect for ginger-garlic paste, green chilli paste and small batches of Thai curry paste.
Why we like it:
- Cheap and compact
- Quick to clean
- Ideal for small amounts
Keep in mind:
- Too small for big batches of onions
3. Indian Mixer Grinder (Preethi or Sujata style)
Built specifically for Indian cooking, with jars for wet masalas, dry spices and chutneys. Makes the smoothest pastes of all.
Why we like it:
- Very powerful
- Multiple jars for wet and dry grinding
- Excellent for dosa batter too
Keep in mind:
- Some models need a voltage converter outside India – check before buying
See Indian Mixer Grinder (Preethi or Sujata style) on Amazon →
Make-Ahead Ginger-Garlic Paste
- Peel equal weights of ginger and garlic.
- Blend with a pinch of salt and a spoonful of oil until smooth.
- Store in a clean jar in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze in an ice cube tray.
For dry spice blends, a dedicated spice grinder works better than a food processor. Prefer chopping by hand? See our guide to the best chef knife for chopping onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a food processor make curry paste?
Yes. Add a spoonful of oil or water to help the blades and scrape down the bowl a few times. For very smooth paste, use a mixer grinder or mortar and pestle.
Food processor or blender for Indian cooking?
A food processor is better for chopping onions and thick pastes. A blender is better for smooth, liquid sauces.
What size food processor do I need?
A 7–9 cup model suits a family. Add a mini chopper for small jobs like ginger-garlic paste.
