Peel off the dry outer skin
Cut off the root end slightly, leaving the core intact
Cut off the stem end
Place the onion flat-side down on a cutting board
Slice the onion in half from top to root
Remove the papery outer layer from each half
Make vertical slices toward the root, keeping the root end attached
Make horizontal cuts if desired for smaller pieces
Slice across the onion to create even pieces
Separate the slices with your fingers
Keep your fingers tucked while cutting