Bawang Merah (Asian Shallot)

Bawang Merah
(Asian Shallot)

Bawang Merah (Asian Shallot) were probably domesticated on the mainland and brought to Indonesia by the Chinese. Indonesians also enjoy the leaves of the Asian shallot plant lightly steamed or stir-fried. Merah means "red" but the taste from most any shallot is close enough for cooking. You can also substitute a red or brown onion for every 2 or 3 Asian shallots called for.