Frizzled Shallots

Use a mandoline to thinly slice shallots into rings—they should be just about the thickness of a coin. (The mandoline ensures that the rings are an even thickness and will cook at the same rate; if cutting by hand, try to make them as even as possible and watch for quicker-cooking pieces when you're frying.)

Put shallots in a small saucepan and add oil just to cover (this may seem like a lot, but you'll use the shallot oil, too). Cook over medium heat, moving them about occasionally with a fork, until they are deep golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.

Carefully strain oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-safe container; set aside to let cool. Transfer shallots to a paper-towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt. Shallots will keep for 3 days in an airtight container. Store oil in an airtight container up to 3 weeks.