Veg Indian Recipes Without Onion Garlic Made Easy

Indian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and aromatic spices. However, many traditional recipes heavily rely on onion and garlic to build their base flavors.

For those who avoid these ingredients due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or personal preferences, cooking flavorful Indian dishes might seem challenging. But worry not!

Indian cooking offers a treasure trove of vegetarian recipes that are completely onion and garlic free, yet bursting with taste and nutrition. From tangy dals to rich vegetable curries, these recipes celebrate the true essence of Indian spices without compromising on flavor.

In this post, we’ll explore a collection of delightful veg Indian recipes without onion garlic that anyone can easily prepare at home. Whether you’re observing a fast, following Ayurveda, or simply want to try something different, these recipes will surely satisfy your palate.

Let’s dive into the colorful world of Indian cooking that’s gentle on your stomach and big on taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cooking Indian dishes without onion and garlic doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor; it means embracing alternative ingredients that enhance the natural taste of vegetables and spices. These recipes:

• Are perfect for those with dietary restrictions or religious practices that avoid onion and garlic.
• Use creative combinations of spices like asafoetida (hing), cumin, mustard seeds, and fresh herbs to deepen flavors.
• Are generally lighter on the stomach and easier to digest.
• Highlight the true colors and textures of fresh vegetables and legumes.
• Are simple to prepare with common pantry staples.

Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or looking to diversify your meal plan, these dishes will bring warmth and comfort to your dining table without the pungency of onion and garlic.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, peas, cauliflower, spinach, bottle gourd
• Legumes: yellow moong dal, chana dal, toor dal
• Spices: turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafoetida (hing)
• Herbs: fresh coriander leaves, curry leaves
• Others: ginger, green chilies, tamarind paste or lemon juice, salt, oil (mustard oil or vegetable oil)

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed cooking pot or pressure cooker
• Non-stick frying pan or kadhai
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Chopping board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Blender or mortar-pestle (optional, for pastes)

Instructions

Recipe 1: Moong Dal Tadka (Yellow Lentil Curry without Onion Garlic)

1. Rinse 1 cup yellow moong dal thoroughly under running water till clear.
2. Cook the dal in 3 cups of water with ½ tsp turmeric powder until soft (about 15-20 minutes in a pressure cooker or 40 minutes on stovetop).
3. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 1 tsp cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
4. Add 1-2 chopped green chilies and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add 1 chopped tomato and cook until soft and mushy.
6. Pour the cooked dal into the pan. Stir well and add salt to taste.
7. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let flavors meld. Add fresh chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Recipe 2: Aloo Methi (Potatoes with Fenugreek Leaves)

1. Wash 2 cups fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves thoroughly and chop them roughly.
2. Peel and cube 3 medium potatoes.
3. Heat 3 tbsp oil in a pan. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and let them crackle.
4. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
5. Add the cubed potatoes, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
6. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the chopped methi leaves and 1-2 chopped green chilies. Mix and cook for another 5-7 minutes until potatoes are tender and methi is cooked.
8. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with coriander.

Recipe 3: Vegetable Kurma (Mixed Vegetable Curry without Onion Garlic)

1. Chop 1 cup carrots, 1 cup beans, 1 cup cauliflower florets, and 1 cup peas.
2. Prepare a paste by blending ¼ cup grated coconut, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp fennel seeds, 2 green chilies, and 1 inch ginger with a little water.
3. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and a pinch of asafoetida.
4. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes.
5. Add the coconut-spice paste, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, salt, and 1 cup water.
6. Cover and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender and gravy thickens slightly.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

“Asafoetida (hing) is a magical spice that helps replicate the depth of flavor usually provided by onion and garlic. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering your dishes.”

• For extra richness, add a splash of coconut milk or yogurt to curries.
• Use fresh curry leaves and ginger generously to enhance aroma and taste.
• Try substituting green chilies with Kashmiri red chili powder for a milder heat and vibrant color.
• Experiment with other legumes like chana dal or toor dal in dal recipes.
• To make it vegan, substitute ghee with vegetable oil or mustard oil.
• Check out our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for quick and easy pressure cooker options without onion garlic.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

These onion and garlic-free Indian dishes pair beautifully with:

• Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice (cumin rice)
• Soft rotis or chapatis
• Parathas stuffed with potatoes or paneer (without onion/garlic)
• A refreshing cucumber raita or plain yogurt
• Simple pickles and papad for added crunch

For a complete meal experience, you can also try our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating as light sides or starters.

Conclusion

Cooking vegetarian Indian recipes without onion and garlic is both an exciting and rewarding culinary adventure. By focusing on spices, fresh herbs, and wholesome vegetables, you can create dishes that are flavorful, nutritious, and suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

These recipes showcase how simplicity in ingredients can still lead to complex, satisfying tastes. Whether you adopt these dishes for health reasons, fasting, or just to try something new, they will surely expand your appreciation for Indian cuisine’s versatility.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and spice blends to suit your taste buds. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to explore our collection of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for convenient and delicious meals.

Happy cooking and savor the magic of onion-garlic-free Indian flavors!

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