Onion and Garlic Substitutes for Coconut-Braised Chicken

Question

This recipe sounds so delicious (and I happen to have an open can of coconut milk) but hubbie can't tolerate onions or garlic. Should I choose another recipe or can you give me some good substitutes?

Lynn Clark · Accepted Answer

Hi Theresa - Asafoetida, also called Hing, would be something interesting to try. Asafoetida is a pungent spice used in cooking that is native to Central Asia, particularly Iran and India. Asafoetida comes from a very unusual source. According to food scientist Harold McGee, it’s made by scraping the sap from the exposed root of a plant in the carrot family. The sap is dried and crushed, giving us a tan-colored powder to sprinkle into our dishes.
McGee also says that the sap contains many of the same sulfur compounds found in onions. It has a very strong odor when dry, which many say is reminiscent of washed rind cheeses or body odor. Not to worry – when the spice is added during cooking, it mellows out into a gentle flavor. Asafoetida is used in savory dishes, often to add a more full flavor by mimicking the taste of onions, garlic, egg, and even meat. It’s a staple ingredient in Indian cooking, commonly used along with turmeric in lentil dishes like dal, and a variety of vegetable dishes.
Unless you have a really excellent health food store or Indian grocery near you, it’s probably best to look for asafoetida online. It might be worth a try, not just in this recipe, but all of the recipes that call for onions and/or garlic. Good luck! Best, Lynn C.

Onion and Garlic Substitutes for Coconut-Braised Chicken

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