A must have collection of 60+ dishes (snacks to main course to breakfast) made without any onion garlic for Shravan / Adhik Maas / Pitru Paksha traditions
Ahead of the festival season and the Pitrupaksha, a lot of us abstain from Onion and Garlic in our kitchens (along with some more restrictions during Navratri) that many of us have. Planning everyday meals becomes a hassle with so many restrictions. Sometimes, the onion prices hit the roof, so that’s another reason to bookmark this list !!
Significance of Pitru Paksha maas
Pitru Paksha, also known as Pitri Paksha or Shraddha Paksha, is a significant period in the Hindu lunar calendar that lasts for 16 days. It is dedicated to honoring and paying homage to one’s ancestors or departed souls. This observance typically falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar. Pitru Paksha holds great importance in Hindu culture and is performed with deep reverence and devotion.
During Pitru Paksha, Hindus perform various rituals and ceremonies to express their love and gratitude to their deceased ancestors. The main ritual involves offering “tarpan” or “shraddha” to the departed souls, which includes making offerings of food, water, and other essentials. These rituals are believed to help the souls of the deceased attain peace and find their way to the afterlife. It is also a time for families to come together, pray for the well-being of their ancestors, and seek their blessings. Observing Pitru Paksha is not only a way of showing respect to one’s lineage but also a way of acknowledging the interconnection between the living and the dead, reinforcing the importance of family bonds and ancestral heritage in Hindu tradition.
Food restrictions during Shravan / Adhik maas / Pitru Paksha
During Adhik or Pitru Paksha Maas, some Hindus choose to observe certain food restrictions as part of their religious practices. While these restrictions may vary among different regions and communities, the general principle is to abstain from certain types of food considered impure or unsuitable for consumption during this auspicious month.
Here are some common food restrictions followed during these religious periods. These again might vary from family to family
Non-vegetarian Food: Many devotees avoid consuming non-vegetarian food during Pitru Paksha. This includes meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. The emphasis is on a vegetarian diet to maintain purity and promote sattvic (pure and harmonious) qualities.
Onion and Garlic: Some people also avoid consuming onion and garlic during this period. These ingredients are believed to have Rajasic (stimulating) and Tamasic (negative) qualities, which may interfere with spiritual practices.
Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and pickles may be restricted during Adhik Maasam or PitruPaksham. The idea is to avoid foods that have undergone a transformation process involving microorganisms.
Alcohol and Stimulants: Consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other stimulants is typically discouraged during . The focus is on maintaining a pure and disciplined lifestyle.
Some Spices: Certain spices like asafoetida (hing) and mustard seeds may be avoided during this month. These spices are believed to have strong flavors and could disrupt the sattvic nature of the food.
It’s important to note that these food restrictions are voluntary and followed by those who choose to observe them. They are not mandated for all Hindus or individuals during Adhik Maas. Additionally, the extent and strictness of these restrictions can vary among individuals and communities.
It’s always advisable to consult with religious authorities or individuals who are well-versed in the customs and traditions of to understand the specific guidelines and practices followed in your region or community.
Fret not, we have compiled a list of 60 + dishes that require no onion or garlic and spread across 6 sections :Breakfast, Snacks, Sides, Beverages, Raita, Farali (fasting) based dishes & One Pot meals. Of course, RIce or flatbreads using allowed grains can always be added to this list to make it a complete meal platter without onion-garlic.
Let’s get you started … Once you have seen this list ( and also tried a few), don’t forget to tag me @Sizzlingtastebuds (Instagram) or leave a comment below on how you liked this dish.
If you would also like to add your own family dish that you would like me to try out, do leave a comment below.. .
Bon Appetit !
70 NO ONION NO GARLIC DISHES / Fasting special dishes
Beverages
Sugarfree Kiwi Basil Smoothie
A Vegan, Guten Free + Sugarfree Refreshing smoothie made with Fresh basil and kiwi
Sugar free Saunf ka Sherbet | Sugafree Fennel Iced Cooler
Saunf ka Sherbet is a sugar free (no sugar, no jaggery) Summer cooler made with Fennel seeds and basic kitchen staples. Makes for a refreshing Summer Mocktail.
Jowar Idli | Sorghum Idli ~ How to make Jonna Idly
Jowar Idli | Sorghum Idli is a Gluten Free, Vegan no-Rice Idli (steamed savoury cake) made with Cracked Sorghum and Lentils. Served for Breakfast or a light dinner.
Oats Amaranth Chilla is a Gluten Free,Vegan Indian savory pancake that is nutritious and filling. Served usually with Green Chutney along with a cup of Tea.
Milagu Aval or black Pepper flavoured Poha is a delicious satvik, Gluten Free and Vegan breakfast or snack made in less than 10 mins. Does not contain onion garlic too.
Rava Pongal is a soft, delicious savoury pudding made with Semolina (Rava) and cooked Moong dal (lentil). Served as a breakfast or light dinner with chutney / sambhar.
Biyyapurava Majjiga Upma is an Andhra style majjiga upma (rice semolina based savoury pudding made with cracked rice and buttermilk). Served as breakfast or tiffin
Tri-colour Quinoa Pongal | How to make Quinoa Ven Pongal
Quinoa Ven Pongal is a Gluten Free, Nutritious Pongal made with Quinoa and split green gram. Served for breakfast, brunch or dinner with Chutney or sambhar
Barley Karamani Adai |பார்லி அரிசி காராமணி ஆடை | Easy breakfast recipes
Barley Karamani Adai is a healthy, protein rich Dosa made with Barley and Cow pea lentils.Served with Chutney and /or sambhar, this makes for a great breakfast or a light dinner too !
Little Millet Pongal | Samai Pongal Recipe | GF Dishes
Samai or Little Millet Pongal is a quick, nutritious and filling Gluten Free breakfast or dinner made with Little Millet and Moong dal. Served hot with Chutney and / or sambhar .
Murunga keerai Adai or Moringa Leaf Dosa is a vegan, Gluten Free dosa made with mixed Lentils, Bamboo Rice and Moringa leaves. Diabetic friendly and is served as a breakfast or snack with chutney or sambhar
Varagu Arisi Dosai | Kodo Millet Crepes are delicious Vegan and Gluten Free Crepes (Dosa) made with millets and lentils. Served for breakfast or sometimes dinner with chutney / sambar on the side.
Makhana or fox nuts are roasted in the airfryer with minimal spices and almost no oil to make a crunchy, addictive AND healthy snack. Fox nuts are high in protein and fibre and makes for a delectable treat
Kara Kozhukattai or Kara Pidi Kozhukattai (steamed rice dumpling) is a very popular snack or tiffin served in Tamil households for an evening snack or dinner.
Navaratri Sundal Podi + how to make Karamani Sundal using Sundal Podi
Sundal Podi is a ubiquitous spice powder mix used to season Sundal (or legume Stir fry). It can also be used in vegetable stir fries as an aromatic seasoning.
Thinai Uppu Seedai | Millet Cheedai | Easy Jar snacks
Thinai Seedai or Cheedai are crispy crunchy, deep fried savoury flour based snacks made with Millet flour , usually made for festivals like Krishna Janmashtami or served as a snack with tea or coffee.
Thengai Saadam or Temple Style Coconut Rice is a No onion No garlic Tempered Rice with Grated Coconut and basic spices. Can also be made for lunchboxes.
Niramish Kichuri with Alu Pulkopir Bhaja- Bengali Combo Meal
Niramish Kichuri is a Bengali staple with rice and lentils cooked in a satvik (no onion no garlic) base with vegetables. Served for lunch or brunch with a veggie side.
Kariveppalai Sadam | Curry Leaf Spiced Rice| Karivepaaku Chitrannam
Karivepalai Sadam is a spicy and healthy One pot meal made with a special Curry Spice Powder and cooked rice. Gluten Free and Vegan, this is an easy lunch / dinner recipe!
Ellu Saadam | Ellogarai | Temple Style Sesame flavoured Rice
Ellu Saadam or Ellogarai is a Temple Style Prasadam or offering made in South Indian Homes and/ or Temples. It is a Gluten Free, Vegan Spiced Rice made with sesame seeds.
How to make Ven Pongal | வெண் பொங்கல் | Khara Pongal recipe
Ven Pongal is a classic dish from Tamilnadu where Rice and lentils are cooked to a pudding consistency. Offered to God at temples or made for a quick breakfast too
Railway Style Aloo Bhaji | Train waali Alu ki Sabji
Railway Style Aloo Bhaji is a no-onion and no-garlic quick curry served with any flatbread like Poori , Kachori or Paratha. It is a delicious meal that works well on long train journeys too.
Lauki Methi Kofta Curry is a Low-fat Indian Curry (Gluten Free+vegan) made with bottlegourd and fenugreek leaves dumplings that are simmered in a spicy tomato base. Served with flatbreads and rice.
Aloo Shimla Zunka is a simple GF, Vegan and low Stir fry of Bell Peppers + potato with Gramflour. Served with flatbreads or rice. Special dish of Maharashtrian Cuisine
Udupi Sambhar | No Onion No garlic Udupi Style Sambhar |
A No-onion no garlic sambhar / gravy made with lentils, veggies and freshly ground paste. Served with South Indian Breakfast as well as with hot steamed rice.
Iyengar style Kadag Puli / Kadugu Puli- a Traditional Curry
Kadag Puli is a traditional Iyengar dish which is satvik (No Onion No garlic) curry. Best served with steamed rice /chapatis. It is a medley of native veggies in an umami-tangy sauce
Arichuvitta Sundakkai Vathakuzhambu | Tambrahm special
Arichuvitta Vathakuzhambu is a Tamilnadu special dish made with tamarind base, sun dried condiments and a specially ground spice powder. Served with rice and Usli.
Gabbye Upkari or Gabbe Upkari is a Konkani style stir fry made with Banana Stem.Served with steamed rice + curry, it is a vegan + Gluten Free Curry and contains no onion or garlic too!
Menthye Thambli is a quick and easy curry made with fenugreek seeds, yogurt and basic kitchen spices. it is a great digestive and perfect for the summer momths. SErved with hot rice, this is an excellent coolant too.
Apple Raita is an easy Raita or side dish with Apples in a mildly spiced yogurt sauce. Makes for an excellent side for Pulav/Biryani or as a meal by itself.
Katrikkai Karamani Kootu is a delicious South Indian dish made with Aubergines and Cow peas with a spiced masala paste. Served with Rice or flatbreads.
Apple Raita is an easy Raita or side dish with Apples in a mildly spiced yogurt sauce. Makes for an excellent side for Pulav/Biryani or as a meal by itself.
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Wonderful collection of no onion, no garlic recipes. For us Adhik Maas fasting means no grains, beans etc. But most of your recipes will be handy when I have to make meals without onion and garlic for my sister in law and her family.
This is such huge collection. My daughter hates onions, so even for not so religious reason so many days, i make food that is onion garlic free. This collection is very helpful for me.
Wonderful collection of the recipes, perfect when someone is fasting.
I do follow the no-onion no-garlic diet during Navrathri. This list would be quite useful. Thanks so much for compiling the list.
Wonderful collection of no onion, no garlic recipes. For us Adhik Maas fasting means no grains, beans etc. But most of your recipes will be handy when I have to make meals without onion and garlic for my sister in law and her family.
Thanks so much, Mayuri. Glad some of the dishes work for your preferences too
A nice collection of recipes here for all meals and for all sort of diet and people.
Thanks,Renu!
This is such huge collection. My daughter hates onions, so even for not so religious reason so many days, i make food that is onion garlic free. This collection is very helpful for me.
Perfect Seema, Thanks so much !