What's the best food to substitute for onion?

Question

Onions make me VERY ill. I avoid them if at all possible--which makes restaurant ordering difficult and church "covered dish" potlucks even harder. When I'm cooking for myself and every dish that isn't dessert requires onion, what do you suggest I sub for it? (No leeks, no scallions, etc.) Sometimes I've used celery for good effect, and garlic is okay as a limited sub--but too much garlic is not okay with me--certainly not okay to sub for a full onion in a chili recipe! I hate to make things without subbing it at all since it adds to the healthiness of a recipe. I'm ready to take your tips! I'll pick an answer--best tip I haven't yet tried wins.

Answer 1

It is virtually impossible to eat someone elses food without coming across an onion somewhere. I am a chef and EVERYTHING starts with onion or shallot. It is a base of all cooking. I wouldn't know what to sub for it as there is just no replacing it. In some supermarkets you can find elephant garlic, which is less offensive than its smaller counterpart, try that and just use moderation in your recipes. Also continue to use celery to add the texture.

Answer 2

This is tough actually coz I dont think there is a replacement for onions other than scallions and shallots and also pearl onions. They all basically taste like onions with varying intensities in taste. U will have to do without.

Answer 3

Garlic

Answer 4

What about water chestnuts? You would get the crispness of onion and the texture, without any flavor. Then you could add a bit of garlic powder if you like.

Answer 5

1) Allium textile



2) Buddhist Vegetarian Fake Onion Flakes



3) asafetida (hing), which can be found

in Indian supermarkets, usually in the

form of a yellow powder.



Good Luck!

Answer 6

um... i think try grilling ur food, meat vegetable no need for onions and its much healthier then oils.

but i can suggect to sum research around the in internet for more better tips and ull get receipes try searching on the net.

Answer 7

They will are good for health, however if you are asking which is better for diet in such a case all vegetables would do well

Answer 8

There is no replacement for onion. You'll have to do without.

Answer 9

ginger, seasoning (like curry) or vegetables like Celery.

Answer 10

TRY CABBAGE AND CARROTS AS SUBS.

Answer 11

shallot?

Answer 12

boch choy (sp?)