Onions

Shallots, leeks, chives, and green onions all make smart substitutes for onions. I prefer shallots to replace red onion, and the rest I judge by flavor. Leeks and green onions have a more delicate onion flavor than shallots. I prefer leeks for soups and shallots for bolder main-course dishes. I typically use two to three small shallots to replace one onion in a recipe.