When it comes to cooking, there are certain ingredients that seem essential to many recipes. Onions and garlic, for instance, are staples in many cuisines around the world. But what if you’re looking for a way to add flavor without relying on these two popular ingredients? Do you have dietary restrictions or preferences that mean onion-free and garlic-free cooking is a must? Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to mix things up, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 flavorful no onion no garlic recipes.
From creamy pasta dishes to grilled meats and savory salads, these recipes are sure to please even the most discerning palates. And the best part? None of them require the use of onions or garlic, making them perfect for those who follow a specific diet or simply want to explore new flavors. In this article, we’ll dive into each of our 18 recipes and provide you with all the ingredients and cooking instructions you need to get started.
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of fresh tomatoes, basil, and cream with al dente pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until slightly reduced.
3. Add garlic, cherry tomatoes, and basil to the cream. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the tomatoes release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the tomato-basil sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: A Bright and Refreshing Twist on Classic Grilled Chicken
This recipe combines the bright citrus flavor of lemon with the subtle herbs of thyme and rosemary to create a mouthwatering grilled chicken dish perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush the lemon herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
This hearty salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal or as a side dish for your favorite entrees.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
3. Toss sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini, onion, and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until tender.
4. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork. Add roasted vegetables and toss to combine.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with parsley or cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Coconut Curry with Tofu
This recipe is a flavorful and aromatic curry that combines the creaminess of coconut milk with the spiciness of Thai chilies, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon of Thai red curry paste
– 1 can (14 oz) of full-fat coconut milk
– 1/4 cup of water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in curry paste; cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk and water; bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Add cooked tofu back into the saucepan; stir to combine.
6. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Classic Margherita Pizza
A timeless Italian classic, this simple yet flavorful pizza is a staple of Neapolitan cuisine. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate the authentic taste and texture of a traditional Margherita.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4-6 cups all-purpose flour
– 12 ounces San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining flour, kneading the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
4. Form the dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 550°F (290°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
7. Top the dough with crushed tomatoes, mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Herbed Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your side dishes with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the comfort of mashed potatoes with the freshness of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, heavy cream or milk, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Avocado Lime Rice Bowl
This refreshing recipe combines creamy avocado with zesty lime juice and fluffy rice, making it a perfect dish for a light and satisfying meal or as a side to your favorite grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cooked rice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Dice into small pieces.
3. Squeeze lime juice over the avocado and mix gently to combine.
4. Add the avocado mixture to the rice bowl and toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Grilled Lemon Pepper Salmon
Experience the bright citrus flavor of lemon and the warm spice of pepper with this simple yet flavorful grilled salmon recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1 tsp black peppercorns, freshly ground
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and brush the lemon mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil.
6. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
These vibrant tacos combine the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the earthy goodness of black beans, all wrapped up in a crispy corn tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
2. In a large skillet, cook onion and garlic over medium heat until softened. Add black beans and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos by spooning roasted sweet potatoes and black bean mixture onto tortillas. Top with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Transform your pasta night into a healthy and flavorful experience with zucchini noodles, tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly made or store-bought basil pesto
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
– Freshly ground black pepper, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles.
2. Wash and dry the zucchinis, then spiralize them into noodle-like strands.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Stir in the basil pesto, salt to taste, and any desired grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the earthy taste of portobello mushrooms with the richness of spinach and feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, and garlic.
3. Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp cloth and remove stems.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cucumber Dill Salad
This refreshing salad combines the coolness of cucumbers with the brightness of fresh dill, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cucumber slices and chopped fresh dill.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar and olive oil to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Thai Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry
A flavorful and spicy stir-fry that combines the creaminess of peanut sauce with the crunch of vegetables, all wrapped up in a delicious noodle dish. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup snow peas, sliced
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped peanuts or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, bell peppers, and snow peas. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Pour sauce over noodles and stir-fry mixture. Toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup made by roasting butternut squash to bring out its natural sweetness, then blending it into a creamy and aromatic base.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, peeled and chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs like parsley or sage for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast for 45 minutes or until tender.
4. Scoop out the roasted squash flesh and blend with onion, garlic, broth, and heavy cream (if using).
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Garlic-Free Hummus with Roasted Red Pepper
Transform your hummus game with this flavorful recipe that skips the garlic and adds a sweet and smoky twist from roasted red peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup roasted red pepper, pureed
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves salt
– 3 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the red pepper for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
3. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and puree in a blender or food processor.
4. In a medium bowl, combine chickpeas, roasted red pepper puree, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, salt, and water.
5. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A flavorful and refreshing salad that combines the creamy texture of chickpeas with the bright, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean. Perfect as a light lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, olives, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None
Baked Herb-Crusted Cod
This recipe brings together the delicate flavor of cod with the earthy goodness of fresh herbs, all wrapped up in a crispy crust. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together parsley, dill, olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest.
3. Place cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the herb mixture evenly over each fillet.
4. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top of each fillet.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
This decadent dessert combines the natural creaminess of avocados with the richness of dark chocolate, resulting in a luxurious treat that’s surprisingly healthy.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Peel and pit the avocados, then place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
4. Add the honey and salt to the whipped cream and mix until combined.
5. Blend the melted chocolate with the avocado mixture until smooth.
6. Fold the whipped cream mixture into the chocolate-avocado mixture until well combined.
7. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and set.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Summary
Get ready to spice up your cooking with these 18 delicious no onion no garlic recipes! From creamy pasta dishes to flavorful grilled meats, and from savory salads to sweet treats, there’s something for every occasion. Try Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, or Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad for a tasty meal. Or indulge in sweet treats like Chocolate Avocado Mousse or Herbed Mashed Potatoes. With these no-fuss recipes, you’ll never miss the onion and garlic!
Leave a Reply