17 Easy Dinner Recipes Without Onion and Garlic

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Feeling stuck in a cooking rut with onion and garlic always taking the spotlight? Well, we’ve got just what you need. This blog is all about introducing you to simple yet flavourful dinner recipes that don’t rely on onion or garlic.

These dishes are straightforward to whip up and burst with taste, showing that great meals can come without these usual suspects. However, fear not! There are plenty of delicious alternatives and creative techniques to infuse your meals with flavour without using onion and garlic.

These recipes will definitely appeal to those who either have dietary restrictions or are keen on experimenting in the kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll explore various ideas for dinner recipes without onion and garlic and how to prepare them.

Delicious Dinner Recipes Without Onion and Garlic

In this part, we’re going to dive into some really tasty dinner options that don’t have any onion or garlic in them. These meals are simple to whip up and full of taste, which makes them ideal for whatever kind of dinner you’re planning.

1. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Kicking off our list with a creamy tomato basil pasta recipe that is bound to be a crowd-pleaser in our list of no onion, no garlic recipes for dinner. This beloved classic is brimming with delicious flavours, making the absence of onion and garlic hardly noticeable.

To prepare this uncomplicated dish, start by cooking your pasta according to the instructions on the packaging. Simultaneously, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook fresh tomatoes until they are tender, then add vegetable broth and allow it to simmer. Incorporate either cream or a dairy-free alternative and fresh basil leaves into the pan.

Thick the sauce to your desired consistency before mixing it with the cooked pasta. Serve hot to relish each mouthful of its creamy deliciousness.

Read the complete recipe for making creamy tomato pasta.

2. Mango Rice

Mango rice is a delightful and exotic option for dinner that doesn’t include onion or garlic. This dish offers a burst of flavours with the sweetness of mango, tanginess of lemon, and crunch of peanuts.

To prepare this unique recipe, start by cooking rice and letting it cool. In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, turmeric powder, and hing.

Then, gently mix in diced ripe mango pieces and cooked rice. Add salt to taste and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest. Also read how to make Green Mango Rice at home.

3. Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes

Lemon herb roasted potatoes are a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for any meal. The citrusy zest of lemon combined with fragrant herbs like rosemary or thyme elevates the humble potato into a delightful culinary experience.

To prepare this dish, toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic (if desired), and a mix of your favourite herbs. Roast them in the oven until golden and crispy on the outside yet soft and fluffy.

These potatoes make a versatile side dish for various main courses, adding a burst of freshness to your plate.

4. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

When you’re craving something quick and good for you, whipping up a vegetable stir-fry with tofu hits the spot. It’s full of bright veggies and gets its tasty kick from a sauce that’s just right.

To get it going, heat your pan and toss in veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and peas – they not only add colour but are super healthy, too. Then, throw in some tofu to keep things hearty.

Mix them all up with a yummy sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, plus a hint of sweetness for that perfect flavour balance. Pile this veggie delight over some fluffy rice or noodles to round out your meal into something truly filling and scrumptious.

5. Quinoa Salad with Black Beans

If you’re in the mood for something light and tasty for dinner, why not whip up a quinoa salad with black beans?

This vegan meal is loaded with protein and fibre, thanks to quinoa and black beans.

To put this dish together, start by cooking some quinoa as directed on its package. Once it’s done, give it time to cool off. Then, in a big bowl, mix the cooled-down quinoa with black beans and chopped veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

For the dressing, blend olive oil with lemon juice and your chosen herbs. Give everything a good toss so the flavours can come together nicely before serving.

This quick-to-make quinoa salad is an ideal choice when you need something wholesome yet easy on busy evenings.

Also read: How to make Quinoa Cookies

6. Baked Eggplant Parmesan

For those who adore Italian food, baked eggplant parmesan is a must-try. It’s a healthier version of the traditional fried dish but doesn’t skimp on flavour.

To prepare this meal, begin by cutting the eggplant into rounds. Then, dip these slices into a blend of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and your chosen spices and herbs.

After coating them well, bake them in the oven until they turn crispy and have a golden hue.

After baking to perfection for perfect crispiness and colouration on each slice, the next step is layering them with marinara sauce topped with mozzarella cheese before giving them another round in the oven to let all that cheesy goodness melt beautifully, creating an irresistible bubbly top layer.

To complete this delightful dinner option, serve alongside some pasta or toss together a fresh salad. This ensures not just taste but also a wholesome meal choice that is sure to satisfy any craving for Italian cuisine.

Read the detailed recipes for eggplant parmesan preparation at home.

7. Cauliflower Steaks with Herb Sauce

For a dinner that’s both unique and tasty, consider making cauliflower steaks with an herb sauce. This meal is completely vegan and really shows off how versatile cauliflower can be.

To prepare this dish, start by cutting a head of cauliflower into thick slices and coating them in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs you like, such as rosemary or thyme.

Then roast these slices in the oven until they’re soft and slightly browned on the edges. Top it all off with an herb sauce made by blending fresh herbs, garlic, and more olive oil.

The roasted cauliflower paired with this zesty herb sauce turns out to be incredibly flavorful and makes for an ideal dinner choice.

8. Mushroom Risotto

When you’re in the mood for something cosy and satisfying, mushroom risotto hits the spot. It’s a rich dish that combines Arborio rice, mushrooms, and just enough Parmesan cheese to make it extra tasty.

To whip up this comforting meal, begin with cooking mushrooms and onions together in a pan until they turn golden brown and smell amazing. Then toss in some Arborio rice to get it nicely toasted before slowly pouring in vegetable broth.

Keep stirring the rice while it soaks up all that broth goodness until it turns wonderfully creamy. Top off your risotto with a bit of Parmesan cheese right before serving it warm. ‘

With its creamy consistency mingling with the down-to-earth taste of mushrooms, this dish stands out as both heartwarming and utterly delicious for dinner.

Read the detailed Mushroom Risotto recipe.

9. Lentil Soup with Spinach

If you’re looking for the no onion, no garlic recipes for dinner that’s both filling and good for you, consider whipping up some lentil soup with spinach. Thanks to the lentils and spinach, it’s a straightforward meal loaded with protein, fibre, and vitamins.

To make this soup, cook onions and carrots in a pot until soft. Add black urad dal, vegetable broth, herbs, and spices. Simmer until the lentils are tender. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.

Adjust the taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. This simple and delicious dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a wholesome meal without much time in the kitchen.

Know how to make Lentil Soup with Spinach at home.

10. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are visually appealing and burst with flavours, making them a perfect dinner choice.

They’re vegan and customisable to suit your taste preferences. Slice the tops off the peppers, remove the seeds, and mix fillings like rice or quinoa with veggies, herbs, and spices. Fill the peppers, add sliced zucchini, and bake until soft and cooked through. Enjoy as a main dish or flavorful side.

11. Rava Idli with Coconut Chutney

Rava idli is a super simple dinner choice that doesn’t need any time to ferment. It’s a dish from South India made with semolina and yoghurt, which makes the idlis really soft and fluffy.

To prepare this meal, combine semolina, yoghurt, and water until smooth. Let it sit to absorb the liquid. Add grated carrots or chopped cilantro for flavour and crunch—steam in an idli steamer until cooked.

Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar for a delicious dinner. Read the complete recipe to prepare Rava Idli at home.

12. Crispy Chickpea Snack

If you’re in the mood for a crunchy snack that’s also full of flavour, try crispy chickpeas. This simple dish involves roasting chickpeas with your favourite spices.

To whip up this snack, start by draining canned chickpeas and giving them a good rinse before drying them off. Then mix the chickpeas with some olive oil and your chosen spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. After tossing everything together well, spread the seasoned chickpeas on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven until they turn crispy and have gotten that golden brown look.

Once out of the oven, let them cool down for just a bit before enjoying your tasty treat.

13. Poha

Poha, also known as flattened rice flakes, is a well-loved breakfast option in India. Its unique taste comes from spices such as turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. For an extra pop of flavour, it’s topped off with fresh cilantro, peanuts, and lemon juice, which adds a zesty twist. With the addition of potatoes, peas, or cashews, poha becomes even more delicious and nutritious.

This versatile dish is perfect for those looking for a light yet fulfilling breakfast option without onion and garlic.

Read the complete step-by-step recipe for making Poha at home.

14. Banana Pancakes

Banana pancakes are a real treat, hitting the spot with their satisfying and wholesome goodness.

When you mix mashed bananas, chickpea flour, and just a sprinkle of cinnamon, you end up with a batter that’s both fluffy and packed with flavour. Once they’re cooked until golden brown, these pancakes have a nice sweetness to them without needing any onion or garlic. For an added bit of luxury, top them off with some yoghurt or a little honey drizzle.

Whether it’s breakfast time or you’re in the mood for something light yet delicious for dinner, these banana pancakes are perfect at any moment of the day.

15. Besan Chilla

Besan chilla, a beloved Indian dish, is crafted from chickpea and oat flour. It’s an easy and wholesome choice for breakfast or a lighter evening meal.

This tasty pancake comes alive with the flavours of spices such as cumin and coriander. With coconut chutney or a zesty pickle on the side, it becomes even more delightful to eat.

Being both gluten-free and vegan-friendly, besan chilla with oat flour is not only healthy but also quick to whip up on those hectic evenings. Read the complete recipe to make Besan Chilla at home.

16 . Vegetable Pulao

Vegetable pulao is a tasty and aromatic Indian rice dish that’s pretty easy to make. It mixes basmati rice with veggies like peas, carrots, and beans. The flavour comes from spices such as cumin, cloves, cardamom, and saffron.

What makes it special is getting the rice just right—fluffy but not mushy—while keeping the vegetables soft. People often enjoy this vegetarian meal with raita or a pickle on the side for an extra kick of flavour or maybe even some crispy papadums to add a bit of crunch.

This dish is all about enjoying those rich tastes in every bite.

Know how to make Vegetable Pulao at home.

17. Sweet Potato Cutlet

Sweet potato cutlet, also known as sweet potato tikki, is a tasty snack perfect for starting a meal or enjoying in the evening, especially during the festival of Navratri.

Take mashed sweet potatoes and mix them with chickpea flour, cilantro, and some spices to make these delicious patties. After that, they’re shallow-fried until they become nice and crispy on the outside. These cutlets taste great when dipped in mint chutney or ketchup.

With their mix of sweet and savoury flavours, it’s no wonder people of all ages love this dish.

Whether you’re at a party or just looking for something quick to munch on during Navratri, these crispy sweet potato cutlets are sure to hit the spot.

Conclusion

Believe it or not, whipping up the vegetarian dinner recipes without onion and garlic is pretty straightforward. Think about making Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta or Mushroom Risotto; these meals pack a punch of taste even without those usual ingredients.

If you’re trying new tastes or need to monitor your diet, these recipes are always available.

By combining herbs, spices, and various veggies, you can create delicious food that will be a hit with anyone who tries it. So don’t hesitate to experiment in your cooking space for some truly enjoyable eats, minus the onion and garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you add flavour to dishes without using onion and garlic in recipes?

You can use herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, cumin, and asafoetida to add depth and flavour without onion and garlic. Experiment with ingredients like tomatoes, leeks, celery, and fennel for a savoury taste in your dishes without compromising on flavour.

Can I get enough flavour without using onion and garlic in recipes?

Absolutely, skipping onion and garlic doesn’t mean your food will lack taste. With spices such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala in the mix, you can still achieve a rich flavour profile in your meals.

How can I substitute onion and garlic in traditional recipes?

In traditional recipes, if you’re looking to replace onion and garlic, try using ginger, celery, or asafoetida (hing) to keep the flavours interesting.

Can eliminating onion and garlic help with digestive issues?

Cutting out onion and garlic from your diet might make your stomach feel better, especially when you’re fasting or observing Vrat. These two are often the culprits behind bloating and a hard time digesting food for some folks.

How do I make sauces and gravies without onion and garlic?

To make sauce without onion and garlic, you can add cream to a tomato puree. Ground cashew paste does the trick perfectly for thickening things up and bringing in more of that creamy feel.