I love shallots. These tiny alliums add a rich onion and garlic flavor and aroma to all kinds of dishes. I use them raw. Salad dressingcaramelize them until they melt for topping burgers, roast them with Brussels sproutsand fry them until crisp and top with pilaf, pasta and salad. A foodie friend once told me that peels add instant flavor to any dish. I try to keep them in my kitchen along with onions, another versatile cooking staple.
Unfortunately, shallots are not always easy to come by. I can find them at my local farmer’s market when they’re in season and at well-stocked grocery stores. Also, shallots cost three times more than onions. Since I can’t always find peels and they are expensive, I wanted to know if I could get away with using onions instead.
I turned to a culinary professional for answers. Chef Ann Zeta of The Institute of Culinary Education It helped me understand the difference between shallots and onions and when it’s okay to substitute one for the other. That’s all I’ve learned.
What is the difference between shallots and onions?
“Shallots are a relative of the onion, in the allium family of vegetables,” explains Zeta, who calls shallots “the red onion’s smaller, softer little brother.”
Like an onion, the peel has an outer skin and a layered bulb inside. Shallots are teardrop-shaped and their flesh is usually a light purplish-gray. Zita explains that shallots generally have a milder and milder flavor than onions. “Shallots have a slightly more garlicky and sweet flavor. Red or yellow onion” he adds.
Because chefs love shallots so much.
Shallots often appear on restaurant menus, and Zeta has several reasons why he and other chefs think shallots are so special.
“The shallots are going to add another layer of complexity without overpowering the dish,” she explains. “They’re always beautiful when sliced and sautéed or sautéed with vegetables. They’re also very easy to use – instead of using half an onion and saving the rest for another dish, you can use your own.” Peels can be cut in small quantities as needed.
As someone who often roasts or roasts enough vegetables for a side dish, I can say that I appreciate the smaller size of the slats, partly because it reduces the number of onions used. Does that go back to my fridge.
When is it best to use shallots?
“When used traditionally, like in Thai or French recipes, I would opt for shallots,” says Ziata. “I love the combinations of shallot with ginger and shallot with tarragon. Salad dressing More than onions; Canning brings out most of their flavor, and with onions, it can be a little overwhelming.”
When is it best to use onion?
“I use onions when I want to add some punch to a dish,” says Zeta. “Yes, you can make salsa with shallots, but the onion is going to have a lot more impact. Onions are used in many different dishes and are extremely versatile, so I usually have onions as the default. I also prefer onions when in culturally traditional, like Mexican and Italian recipes.”
Cost and volume also play a role for Zeta when deciding whether to use onions or shallots in a dish. “Shallots are a little more expensive than onions, so if I need a lot, and the allium isn’t the star of the dish…I’ll use onions,” she says.
Ways to Substitute Shallots and Onions
When substituting onions for peels, Zeta says red onions are best, followed by yellow onions, and then white. “If you’re substituting onions in a recipe that calls for peeling, add a little garlic or even a little more onion to the dish,” advises Zeta.
Meanwhile, if you’re substituting scallions for onions, keep an eye on whatever you’re cooking. Shallots are more delicate and burn faster than onions. The only place Zeta would never use shallots is instead of onions. Onion rings.
take away
Shallots add beauty, unique flavor and complexity to dishes, which sets them apart from onions. In most cases, you can use the onion instead of the peel, especially if you’re cooking them.
In recipes like vinaigrette where the allium will be raw, stick to the recipe, especially if it calls for the rind. Red onion is a great substitute for peels. And if you want to add a little flavor to whatever you’re cooking, try swapping the scallions for onions.