Frank Proto, chef and kitchen instructor, questioned the traditional technique of chopping onions, considering that there is a more practical alternative. The advice was shared by the British newspaper The Mirror and also demonstrated by the chef in an Epicurious TikTok post.
In the traditional method described, cuts are made on the onion without completely separating one of the ends, followed by horizontal cuts with the blade parallel to the cutting board. It is mainly this horizontal movement that Frank Proto contests, as directing the knife toward one's own body represents an unnecessary difficulty, especially for those with little experience.
The chef does not claim that the classic method is unable to produce a good result, but prefers an approach he considers faster and safer. His alternative involves placing half the onion with the flat side down on the cutting board, making cuts while keeping one end joined, and adjusting the blade's angle to the ingredient's curvature.
In the final part, Frank Proto finishes chopping the piece that was left uncut. According to his explanation, this sequence reduces the time needed to complete the task and allows one to take advantage of the onion's natural divisions. The article notes that, for those cooking at home, familiarity with the knife and the ability to control each movement continue to influence the execution.
