Topic: How do you finely chop your onions?

[SnS]

I've been using this method now for over 20 years (first seen on a cookery programme), but I was wondering what methods others use.

I've seen a few different methods on youtube etc and some even recommend horizontal slicing which appears a bit risky to me (the cut is directed to towards the hand and wrist holding the onion) 

My method

1) Half peeled onion
2) Working from right to left, make thin slices - stopping a few millimetres short of the board by tilting knife
3) Rotate 180 degrees to complete first set of slices (I do this to avoid cutting fingers)
4) Rotate 90 degrees - make thin slices all the way through to the board. Finely chop remaining onion slivers from 1)

Here it is in action (he's a lot better at chopping than me though and doesn't rotate as in 3) - has he still got all his finger tips?)

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/76172_chicken-biryani-cut-onion.htm

[SnS]

An example of a horizontal slice 

Not for me!

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/28870_chop-onion-fine.htm

[SnS]

This video was taken 4 months later - after they'd sewn his wrist veins back together.

A far safer method - me thinks.

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/28871_chop-onion-fine-method.htm

[SnS]

Please do not laugh here - he's trying his best  :
... and the last time I saw a pair of gloves like that was during an MOD medical 

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/28868_chop-onion-equipment.htm

[SnS]

Important Note: Swimming Goggles ... not good for street cred. 

... and a dangerous method too!

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-chop-an-onion

[Bobby Bhuna]

I take half a peeled onion, then make lots of slices into the root but not quite all the way. I then turn it 90 degrees and slice. I was taught this method at school.

[SnS]

Hi Bobby

At school???

We did metalwork - unfortunately 

Is this the same method then?

SnS :

[Bobby Bhuna]

I had compulsory Home Ec. before we let this get any further!

No, the method is different. You take half of a peeled onion and make many slices from the top into the root, never cutting through the root. The idea is similar to yours but means that the vertical slices are all held togther by the root bit at the bottom, making it easier to chop them when you turn it 90 degrees.

[JerryM]

Bobby,

this sound an interesting technique - do you leave the root on the onion when peeling it ie only cut the top off and not a top and tail before peeling.

i do the SnS steps but find it always falls to bits when i get to the edge cuts after turning through 90. leaving the root on initially i think would sort this.

A sharp knife is also crucial and easier said than maintained.

[Bobby Bhuna]

Bobby,

this sound an interesting technique - do you leave the root on the onion when peeling it ie only cut the top off and not a top and tail before peeling.

Thats right Jerry - give this method a shot, I preffer it to any others I've tried.