What is onion piquet?

Onion piquet is a technique used in French cuisine to add flavor and texture to dishes. It involves using a small, sharp knife to make shallow cuts in an onion, usually in a diamond or crosshatch pattern. This allows the onion to absorb more oil or butter when cooked, resulting in a more flavorful and caramelized onion.

Onion piquet is often used in soups, stews, and other dishes where onions are a key ingredient. It can also be used as a garnish for salads or other dishes.

Here are the steps on how to make onion piquet:

1. Peel the onion and cut it in half lengthwise.

2. Place one half of the onion cut-side down on a cutting board.

3. Using a small, sharp knife, make shallow cuts in the onion, about 1/4-inch deep.

4. Repeat the process with the other half of the onion.

5. The onion is now ready to be used in your desired dish.

When cooking onions that have been piqued, it is important to heat the oil or butter over medium-low heat to allow the onions to caramelize slowly and evenly. This will result in a deep, rich flavor and a soft, tender texture.