Shallots may look like onions, but looks can be deceiving.
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Small but mighty, shallots are an unassuming ingredient known for their versatility.
This is why the three flavor-building ingredients are often mixed up.
Photo:Gregory Kramer/Getty Images
Bypass any shallots with bruises or discoloration, as they may not be fresh.
What Are Shallots?
Theyre sometimes used likeherbs, seasonings, or garnishes, but shallots are technically vegetables.
This discovery was made in 2010, when researchers determined shallots have more similarities to onions than differences.
If you enjoy cooking with onions and garlic, youll find that shallots have a familiar taste.
Onions have a stronger and punchier flavor, but shallots bring a pleasant mild flavor.
Shallots vs.
Since shallots are smaller, youd need to use several of them in place of one onion.
Shallots and onions also taste differently, but not significantly so.
Onions and shallots both have that signature allium sharpness with a hint of sweetness, but at different degrees.
Shallots are more mild, as though the taste of onions had been dialed down a bit.
Shallot Substitutes
The best substitute for shallots is another member of the allium family.
So, if you dont have shallots on hand, try subbing in one of these other alliums.
Onions
Onions are the best substitute for shallots in recipes where theyre cooked.
Of them, some make better shallot substitutes than others.
Leeks
When shallots are cooked down, they release a sweet flavor.
Since leeks are naturally sweeter than many other alliums, this could work in your favor.
This is an especially flavorful substitute insoup recipes.
Start by peeling back the outer layer of the dry, papery skin.
The protective layer keeps the vegetable moist and safe from the outside, but you dont cook with it.
They get sweeter as you roast, saute, caramelize, or fry em.
you could also embrace shallots in a recipe where they are the star, such as thisCaramelized Shallot Dip.
