How to chop shallots

Step 1: using a small knife, slice the shallot in half lengthwise.

Step 2: using a small knife, slice through the shallot towards the roots stopping ± ½ cm before the root base (this hold the shallot together).

Step 3: using a large knife, chop the shallot.

The shallot is now thinly sliced with the root base intact.

Tip to chop the shallot even finer: using a small knife, first slice vertically across the shallot until the root base, then make 1 or 2 horizontal cuts.