Onions vs. Shallots

[sassy]

Can shallots be used in place of onions and, if so, to what ratio? For example, if my recipe calls for 1C yellow onions, can I use 1C shallots instead? I have a new turkey meatloaf recipe that I really want to try but one of the guests doesn't like onions. Should I make something else or substitute w/shallots?

[GB]

Yes you can. It won't taste exactly the same, but that will still work. Shallots are more of a cross between onion and garlic with a mild flavor. They are generally much more expensive than onions though.

[GB]

By the way, Welcome to the site

[Michelemarie]

i like shallots better than onions

[scott123]

I wouldn't sub 1 cup shallots for 1 cup onions. They're quite a bit more potent. My best guess would be 1/3 C. shallots, but if you want to err on the generous side, go with a 1/2 C. No more than that, though.

[grumblebee]

If your guest doesnt like onions, chances are they wont like shallots either. Is there a way you could tailor the recipe so that it doesnt have either? Or perhaps you could make a "mini" meatloaf on the side (in a small ramakin or something) without onions for the person who doesnt like them.

...or you could just tell them to pick the onion bits out. hehe

[jennyema]

Originally Posted by grumblebee

If your guest doesnt like onions, chances are they wont like shallots either. Is there a way you could tailor the recipe so that it doesnt have either? Or perhaps you could make a "mini" meatloaf on the side (in a small ramakin or something) without onions for the person who doesnt like them.

...or you could just tell them to pick the onion bits out. hehe

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Shallots taste a lot like onions. If it's the texture they don't like, you can puree the oinio up or use onion powder.

If it's the taste, maybe cut way back, leave em out or fool them with onion powder.

[auntdot]

I agree, would not substitiute shallots for onions one-for-one.

But shallots, if anything, seem to have more of a crunch, and onion flavor, than onions, and some people just don't like the texture of bits of veggies in their food.

Like most of you I love all of that.

Then, and we have two bils to prove it, some people will not eat anything they did not taste after after the age of five.

I have no idea why this person does not like onions, or how difficult he/she is to feed, but agree with grumblebee that you can make a little meat loaf, sans onions, on the side.

[Robo410]

I view sjhallots as milder with a slight garllic hint. But both have a crunch. cooking them first then adding to the meat mix will guarantee them to be soft, or just juice an onin and use its juice in the recipe without the fleash, or use onion powder.

[kitchenelf]

You could always chop them fairly small and caramelize them before you add them to the recipe - sure makes them sweeter and doesn't have that "onion" flavor.