shallot

American  

[shal-uht, shuh-lot] / ˈʃæl ət, ʃəˈlɒt /

noun

1. a cultivar of the onion, Allium cepa aggregatum, having a divided bulb used for flavoring in cooking.

2. the bulb of onion cultivar Allium cepa aggregatum, used in cooking.

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shallot British  

/ ʃəˈlɒt /

noun

1. Also called: scallion.  an alliaceous plant, Allium ascalonicum, cultivated for its edible bulb

2. the bulb of this plant, which divides into small sections and is used in cooking for flavouring and as a vegetable

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Etymology

Origin of shallot

First recorded in 1655–65; shortening of earlier eschalot, from French échalote, diminutive of Middle French eschaloigne scallion

Example Sentences

Back home, after the train ride, I washed and dried the mushrooms and sent them sizzling into a pan with shallots, garlic, salt, pepper and an indecent amount of smoked paprika.

From Salon

The other is unapologetically savory, studded with tangy giardiniera and cloaked in what I’ve taken to calling “edible confetti” — a joyful mix of crushed Parmesan crisps, bacon and fried shallots.

From Salon

It’s a little fussier than the diner original — with a bright, spicy tuna salad made with Calabrian chili mayo and caramelized shallots, plus gooey Fontina — but the payoff is pure, molten bliss.

From Salon

I love a classic quiche Lorraine, filled with smoky bacon, rich Gruyère cheese and shallots.

From Salon

The instinct that pairs chèvre with strawberries is the same one that tells you to finish a bowl of lentils with lemon juice, or to scatter pickled shallots over roast chicken.

From Salon