Shallots

Shallots are mild-flavoured members of the onion family. They are small — about the size of pickling onions — with copper-red skins and a distinctive onion taste. However, they are not as strong or overpowering as ordinary onions. I think they are an excellent substitute for Chinese onions, which are unobtainable in the West. They are expensive, but a few go a long way. Buy them at good greengrocers, supermarkets and delicatessens. Keep them in a cool, dry place (but not the fridge) and peel them as you would an onion. If you cannot find shallots, use pickling onions or spring onions.