How do I properly chop an onion?

Chopping onions is a basic cooking skill that can seem daunting at first, but with a few simple techniques, it can be easy and efficient. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly chop an onion:

• Start by cutting off the stem and root ends of the onion, and then cut the onion in half from top to bottom.
• Remove the papery outer skin of the onion and discard.
• Place the onion halves flat-side down on a cutting board and make vertical cuts from top to bottom, being careful not to cut all the way through the root end of the onion. The size of the cuts can vary depending on how finely you want to chop the onion.
• Next, make horizontal cuts across the onion, again being careful not to cut all the way through the root end of the onion. The size of the cuts can vary depending on how finely you want to chop the onion.
• Finally, hold the onion half firmly and make downward cuts across the onion. The size of the cuts can vary depending on how finely you want to chop the onion. Repeat the process with the other half of the onion.

With these simple steps, you can quickly and efficiently chop an onion for use in a wide variety of dishes. Remember to always use a sharp knife and to be careful not to cut yourself while chopping.