Shallots belong to the onion family and have a flavor that could be defined as a cross between garlic and onion. Chopping a shallot means cutting it into many small pieces.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Peel the Shallot
Shallots have a thin, paper-like skin that needs to be removed before you start shredding them.
Step 1. Place the shallot on a cutting board
Place the knife over the shallot, where there are small "roots"
Step 2. Make a fairly deep cut but don't completely cut the end of the shallot
By leaving it attached, it will be easier to peel it.
Step 3. Place the shallot so that the small root side faces up
Step 4. Grab the part with the small roots and push it towards the wide part of the shallot
With this motion, much of the peel should peel off leaving the other parts to be peeled in sight.
Step 5. Peel the rest of the shallot
Method 2 of 2: Chop the Shallot
Step 1. Cut the shallot in half
It is easier to shred. Cut the top off making the end of the shallot flat.
Step 2. Turn the shallot over so that the flat, wide end you just cut is resting on the cutting board
This will make the shallot more stable and easier to chop.
Step 3. Place the knife parallel to the horizontal width of the shallot
Point the blade down.
Step 4. Cut the shallot in 2 by pushing the knife blade down
You will get two broad and relatively flat halves.
Step 5. Grab one half of the shallot in your non-dominant hand and place it flat on the cutting board facing down
Step 6. Make a series of vertical cuts starting with the side of the shallot closest to you
Make a series of long, vertical strips, about 2mm thick. Keep them close together on the cutting board.
Step 7. Make a series of cuts at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the vertical cuts
The top of the knife should start cutting the vertical strip furthest away from you, while the bottom one will cut the closest one. This will ensure that each vertical strip is cut with a single motion.
Step 8. Cut the other half of the shallot into vertical strips and make other horizontal cuts so that the pieces are roughly the same size
Step 9. Set the shredded shallot aside until ready for use
If the chopped pieces are the same size they will cook more evenly
Advice
- Sauté the shallot with butter and add it to sauces to intensify the flavor. You can also use sautéed shallots with butter to garnish a steak.
- Add chopped raw shallot to the vinaigrette before pouring it over the salad.
- mince the shallots in a special cutting board that you use only for garlic and onion. This is to prevent products such as fruit from taking on the flavor of shallots.
