TL;DR
- This list includes 10 Indian breakfast recipes without onion and garlic.
- Each recipe is easy to make and suitable for fasting, Jain meals, or everyday use.
- Poha, sabudana khichdi, upma, chilla, and palak paratha are some of the featured options.
- All recipes are vegetarian and do not compromise on flavour.
- Ingredients like ginger, curry leaves, asafoetida, and fresh herbs are used for depth and aroma.
- These breakfasts are light, wholesome, and rooted in traditional Indian cooking.
Want to skip onion and garlic but still enjoy a tasty breakfast? You’re not alone. Whether it’s for the Shravan month,fasting, or health reasons, there are plenty of Indian breakfast recipes without onion and garlic that are healthy, comforting, and full of flavour.
This list brings you 10 simple, flavour-packed breakfast recipes- all without onion and garlic. Each one is healthy, quick to prepare, and full of that familiar Indian comfort. Let’s dive into these wholesome morning meals and find your next favourite.
What Are Some Easy Breakfast Recipes That Don’t Include Onion Or Garlic? Quick 10 Recipes
Indian breakfast table
Looking for easy breakfast without onion and garlic? These 10 recipes are delicious, vegetarian, and full of Indian comfort. From poha to chilla, each dish is a reminder that great taste doesn’t always need onion or garlic.
1. Poha
Indian Poha
A light and satisfying breakfast without onion and garlic, poha is made using flattened rice, turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. No onion or garlic needed.
You can toss in boiled peas, diced potatoes, or even a few roasted peanuts for crunch. A squeeze of lime and a handful of fresh coriander right before serving brings it all together. It’s filling but not heavy, quick to prepare, and very easy on the stomach. Poha is the kind of breakfast you can eat any time of day and still feel good after.
2. Rava Idli
Indian Rava Idli
Soft and fluffy rava idli is a good way to start your day. This breakfast is light, so it is great if you want something simple. It is made with semolina, and you can mix in different spices to boost the taste. Served with coconut chutney or sambar, it’s one of the best vegetarian breakfast recipes without onion and garlic.
The dish is very flexible. You can add peas or grated carrots. This makes it both good to eat and healthy. Rava idli is one of the top choices in Jain recipes. Plus, it is gluten-free and works well for a vegan meal.
3. Sabudana Khichdi
Indian Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is often associated with vrat or fasting days, but sabudana khichdi is so tasty, you’ll want to make it even when you’re not fasting. It’s made with soaked sabudana (sago pearls), boiled potatoes, and roasted peanuts, all cooked together with minimal spices. The secret is to get the texture just right — soft but not sticky.
A pinch of cumin, a dash of green chilli, and a bit of lemon juice lift the flavours beautifully. You can garnish it with fresh coriander or a sprinkle of grated coconut. This is a gluten-free and no onion and garlic recipe you’ll want to make often.
4. Vegetable Upma
Indian Vegetable Upma
A colorful mix of vegetables makes upma even better. This warm and hearty Indian breakfast recipe without onion and garlic is made with roasted semolina, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a mix of vegetables like matar, carrots, and beans.
This gives it a good bite and makes it fun to eat. The spices in it help lift the taste, and many people like this a lot. You can serve it with coconut chutney on the side. Or, you can just eat it plain. Either way, it is a good vegetarian meal that works for any time.
You can also try a variation like vegetable idli upma, where leftover idlis are crumbled and sautéed with vegetables and a mild tempering.
5. Moong Dal Chilla
Indian Moong Dal Chilla
The tasty moong dal chilla is a gluten-free pancake full of flavour. It is made with ground moong dal and the right mix of spices. A great breakfast dish without onion and garlic, moong dal chilla is also high in protein and gluten-free.
You can put fillings like matar or gobi inside for more taste and nutrition. These chillas look good enough to post on Instagram and are a great pick for those looking for vegan recipes. With every bite, you will get the rich taste of India.
Looking to switch it up? You can also try oats chilla, which is equally healthy and perfect for busy mornings. Both versions are quick, filling, and packed with flavour.
6. Methi Thepla
Indian Methi Thepla
Methi thepla is a favourite in Gujarati households, but it’s become popular all across India for a reason. It’s made using wheat flour, fresh fenugreek leaves (methi), and everyday Indian spices like turmeric, sesame seeds, and carom seeds (ajwain). This is one of those classic no onion no garlic Indian breakfast recipes that also travels well, making it great for lunch boxes and travel snacks.
You can knead the dough in curd instead of water to make the theplas softer and give them a slightly tangy taste. Serve with dahi and pickle, and you’ve got a balanced meal that can be taken while travelling as well. Great for breakfast, tiffin boxes, or even to carry on road trips. Want a gluten-free version? Try using jowar or ragi flour.
7. Palak Paratha
Indian Palak Paratha
Blend blanched spinach with spices and mix it into your paratha dough. Cook it on a tawa with ghee or oil. This dish is healthy, colourful, and full of flavour. Palak paratha is a perfect vegetarian breakfast recipe without onion and garlic when served with curd or pickle.
You won’t miss onion or garlic at all- the spinach itself gives the paratha a rich, earthy taste. Make extra and pack some for lunch while you’re at it.
Want more variety? Try carrot potato paratha, another wholesome option that’s tasty, filling, and free from onion and garlic. It’s a great way to include more veggies in your breakfast.
8. Tomato Sevai
Indian Tomato Sevai
Tomato sevai is a light and easy breakfast dish without onion and garlic. This is ideal for hot mornings when you want something light but satisfying. The rice noodles soak up the taste of tomatoes well, so every bite is full of that tangy and rich flavour. It is a vegan dish, so it works for people who do not eat animal products. You cook the sevai with some spices and then add fresh coriander on top.
You can eat this on its own, or you can have it as a side dish. It also goes well with poriyal for a more delicious meal. This dish is a good choice if you are following vrat or if you want to try some new Jain recipes.
For a milder variation, you can try coconut sevai, which is subtly spiced and full of South Indian flavours. Both versions are quick to make and perfect for days when you want something soothing yet tasty.
9. Sooji Halwa
Indian Sooji Halwa
If you’re in the mood for something warm, sweet, and full of nostalgia, then sooji halwa is the answer. It’s made by roasting semolina in ghee and then cooking it with sugar, water, and cardamom. The aroma itself will bring everyone to the kitchen.
You can garnish it with cashews, almonds, or raisins. Some even like to add a little milk instead of water for a creamier texture. This comforting no onion no garlic Indian breakfast recipe is also served as prasad but doubles up as a lovely morning treat.
If you’re in the mood for something richer, you can also try wheat halwa (godhumai halwa), which is equally indulgent and made without onion or garlic.
10. Idli with Coconut Chutney
Idli with Coconut Chutney
Nothing beats a plate of hot idlis with fresh coconut chutney. Soft, steamed plain idlis made from fermented rice and urad dal batter are a staple across South India. Pair them with fresh coconut chutney tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. It’s a mild, nourishing, and easy breakfast without onion and garlic for all ages.
This is one of the gentlest and healthiest ways to start your day. It’s kid-friendly, elder-friendly, and perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions. The best part? You can make the batter in bulk and have a ready breakfast for a few days.
How To Flavour Food Without Onion And Garlic?
Indian spices
You can easily make your no onion and garlic recipes flavourful with Indian spices, herbs, and smart swaps. Here’s a quick guide:
Substitute | Flavour Profile | Common Use |
Asafoetida (Hing) | Pungent, umami | Dal, curries, rasam |
Ginger | Warm, zesty | Gravies, stir-fries |
Fresh herbs | Bright, aromatic | Garnishes, salads |
Cabbage/Peas | Sweet, mild | Fillings, poriyal |
Tomato | Tangy, juicy | Sauces, chutneys |
These substitutes help build depth and aroma in your Indian breakfast recipes without onion and garlic, giving you great taste without heaviness.
Can You Really Make Tasty Breakfast Without Onion and Garlic?
Absolutely. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, breakfast recipes without onion and garlic can be just as flavourful as your regular favourites. Whether you’re cooking for health, religious reasons, or just experimenting, these no onion and garlic recipes offer variety and taste.
From light options like poha and tomato sevai to comforting classics like idli and halwa, Indian cooking gives you plenty of choices. These vegetarian breakfast recipes without onion and garlic show that spices, herbs, and fresh vegetables can easily make up for the missing onion and garlic.
So go ahead, try out these dishes, and enjoy mornings that are both simple and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to cook without garlic and onions?
Cooking without garlic and onions can be easy when you use other good flavours. Try adding some spices like ginger and asafoetida. You can also use herbs such as coriander. Other vegetables can make your food taste great. Jain recipes, gluten-free choices, and vegan dishes can all work well with these kinds of swaps.
Is it possible to cook without onions, garlic and tomatoes?
Yes! The recipes used in vrat usually get their taste from the spices and vegetables like cabbage or potatoes. They might use yogurt to give a little tang instead of using tomatoes. These meals are also often gluten-free and vegan. So, they work for people who have different eating needs.
What are the recipes without garlic and onion for someone with IBS?
There are many tasty options you can try, such as Vegetable Upma, dishes made with oats, or ragi pancakes. These are good for people with IBS, as they do not have triggers like garlic and onion. These meals are gluten-free and vegan, so they are gentle on the stomach and still full of nutrition. They make eating feel good without any trouble.
What are the health benefits of avoiding onion and garlic in breakfast meals?
Not eating onion and garlic in your breakfast can help some people have fewer stomach problems. It can also help you taste the real flavour of other foods. Some people do this to follow certain diets or health rules. Leaving out onion and garlic may also lower some risks like allergies or trouble caused by these foods.
How to replace onion and garlic in recipes?
To swap out onion and garlic in your food, you can try other options. For flavour, asafoetida works well. You can also use things like ginger, turmeric, or fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. These can help your dishes still taste good and smell nice, even without the strong taste that comes from onions and garlic.
What is the Indian substitute for onion and garlic?
In Indian cuisine, people often use asafoetida (hing), ginger, or spices like cumin and coriander instead of onion and garlic. These spices help to bring out a good taste in dishes. You can still get a rich, savoury flavour even if you do not use onion or garlic.
What ingredients can I use as substitutes for onion and garlic in breakfast recipes?
When you cook and do not use onion and garlic, you can try some other things for flavour. Use ginger, green chillies, hing (asafoetida), or herbs like coriander and mint. These add taste to your breakfast dishes and help to keep the food tasting good. You still get a great flavour, but without the strong smell that comes with onion and garlic.