A shallot is a small bulb in the allium family, related to onions and garlic. It has a delicate, mildly sweet flavor, with a crisp texture when raw that softens and turns mellow when cooked. Shallots are used around the world in dressings, sauces, curries, stir-fries, and as a crisp fried garnish; they are especially associated with French cooking. They have been cultivated for centuries and remain prized for adding gentle, aromatic flavor without overpowering a dish.