Shallot onion is a staple ingredient in Indian kitchens, particularly loved for its sharpness and pungency. These are generally smaller than usual onions and have a subtle sweetness with the same sharpness. This proportion of flavours makes it the best for recipes where flavour has to be added without feeling excessive on your tongue. Mostly used in Indian and European cooking, shallot onions improve the base of curries, gravies and lentil dishes with mild density. When you saute them, they soften to become mildly caramelised. They are also consumed raw in the form of salads and dressings, where their bite adds freshness and an aspect of crunch. Shallot onions are especially appreciated in traditional recipes that are heavily dependent on slow cooking, as they release flavour gradually and harmoniously and complement spices and herbs with ease.