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The Indian market in my neighborhood carries these pictured onions. They have violet skin, white flesh, and light violet layer surfaces. Their flavor is about the same as spherical (ordinary to me) red onions, not that of shallots. Blemishes usually reach the first layer of flesh, so I discard that.

They are mostly 3.5 - 4.5 cm long and shaped a bit like garlic cloves from growing pressed up against each other. Most hang together in pairs but that may be coincidental, as many cloves are internally doubling.

Given the size there doesn't seem to be much room for developing into spherical onions after all, which the store also carries, so perhaps they are not just younglings. Do those things have a name of their own, and is there any difference in application from round reds, be it substantial, traditional, or regional?

clovey red onions

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These look like red shallots to me. There are a variety of shallots, so you might see different types depending on location and market. This site, shares information on the more common varieties. As a commenter points out, a slightly garlicky taste is not uncommon in some varieties, and the color and shape can vary.

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    Exactly what I'd say as well. The "double-bulb" habit is a major diagnostic.
    – Ecnerwal
    Commented May 6 at 18:55
  • This does bear some elaboration. The shallots I find in the supermarket or organic market are also light violet inside but with yellow/brown skin, spindle-shaped singletons, slightly garlicky taste, hardly any tears. My thingies are strong and pretty hot. A matter of cultivar?
    – ariola
    Commented May 6 at 19:35
  • Confimed, they are shallots.
    – FuzzyChef
    Commented May 8 at 3:56

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