What to use instead of onion

If a recipe calls for onion and you don't have any, you can use any of these alternatives, from the closest to the least similar:

• Sweet onion

  Direct equivalent

  Sweeter and less sharp.

• Shallot

  Equivalent with adjustment

  Milder and sweeter: use a little more.

• Leek

  Equivalent with adjustment

  Milder: use the white part and a little more of it.