Shallots

In the US, shallots are expensive and the smaller variety is more commonly found in farmers’ markets. How you prep shallots depends on how you use them. As an ingredient for spice paste (rempah), you could peel and chop them into smaller cubes, then add to the blender along with the other ingredients. Shallots can also be peeled and sliced finely, then shallow-fried in oil until light brown and skimmed out of the pan. The sliced shallots will darken and turn crispy, for use as a garnish.