I have two shallots I need to mince. How do I mince them?

Question

I am cooking a new recipe and it says 2 minced shallots. What does it mean to mince?

Answer 1

It just means 'chopped up very finely'.

If you have a food processor (and can be bothered washing it up afterwards), then it's very easy to simply just peel off the papery skins, cut off the tops and bottoms of the shallots, and chop them this way.

If you're chopping them with a knife, then it's the same as finely chopping an onion: you need to peel off the skin, and cut them in half, cutting through the top & root ends. Lay a half shallot on the chopping board, cut side down, and cut away and discard the top. Cut several times through the shallot lengthways, leaving a small amount un-cut at the root end (i.e. like a fan). Then cut crossways - as though you're slicing it, but because you've already cut through them, the slices will end up as finely chopped shallot. (And you'll have very watery eyes, but hey, that's another question!)

Hope this helps - have fun cooking!

Answer 2

Chop them into tiny pieces.

Answer 3

I think it means to chop it very small.

Answer 4

put them in a mincer