What is a shallot?

Shallots are a type of small, narrow onion with a mild, sweet and, according to some, almost garlicky flavor. They are commonly used in French and Asian cuisines. Shallots are known for their long shelf life, often lasting up to a month if stored properly.

Shallots are particularly useful in sauces, due to their softer texture by comparison with other types of onion. For this reason, they are used in the French migtte sauce, while in Asian cuisine, they are typically ground into pastes.

Shallots are available throughout the year but tend to be more expensive than other kinds of onion.