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





Breakfast


















Farali dishes




Snacks
















One Pot Meals / Mains









Sides (Stir fry / Gravies/ Raita)





















Raita / Curd based dishes




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Linsy Patel says
Wonderful collection of the recipes, perfect when someone is fasting.
Framed Recipes says
I do follow the no-onion no-garlic diet during Navrathri. This list would be quite useful. Thanks so much for compiling the list.
Mayuri Patel says
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.
Kalyani says
Thanks so much, Mayuri. Glad some of the dishes work for your preferences too
Renu says
A nice collection of recipes here for all meals and for all sort of diet and people.
Kalyani says
Thanks,Renu!
Seema Sriram says
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.
Kalyani says
Perfect Seema, Thanks so much !