How to Dice an Onion

Onions are possibly THE most important ingredient in the gastronomical world. They are used to flavor savory dishes from all over the world, so it is vital that you know how to use them. I know it might sound overly simple to suggest that there is a right way to cut an onion, but I'm telling you, if you don't already use it, this technique will make cooking more enjoyable for you.

1. Slice off the top and the bottom and cut the onion in half FROM TOP TO BOTTOM! Don't slice it along the equator. Now peel the papery skin off and the tough, outside layer.

2. Lay the half on its side and make slits all the way through it (again, from top to bottom). Cut all the way to the board, but not all the way through to the end. Leaving the end intact will allow the onion to hold itself together and you won't have to worry about it. Notice in the picture how I kind of curl my fingers up so they're not sticking out in the way of the knife. Once you get more than half way through, it's easier to hold it by squeezing it in between your fingers and your thumb.

3. Start slicing across the onion in the other direction until you get to the end of the slits, then drop the end flat and run your knife through it chop it up.