Any substitutes for onions?

[tralfaz]

I'm having some friends over for dinner and one is allergic to onions. Does anyone have a suggestion for a substitute for onions (I have trouble cooking without the onion family)? I'm planning something like a large gougere filled with mushrooms and a savory cheesecake (they're vegetarians.).

[kuan]

Sorry I cannot think of a substitute for onions. Leave them out. Does that mean they can't eat garlic either? What a shame.

[ajoe]

Originally Posted by tralfaz

...one is allergic to onions.....

I'm curious. Is it an allergy or a preference? I have never heard of anyone having an allergy to onions.

[shel]

I've known a couple of people who are allergic to onions. A substitute might be
asafetida (it is spelled a few different ways).

shel

[tralfaz]

Kuan, it is a shame. Garlic is OK. I guess they are different enough that garlic isn't a problem. Onions, shallots and leeks create more sulfuric acid than garlic.

ajoe, since she isn't here, I can tell you what I really think. She has a bunch of food "allergies" and I think most are just dislikes-she's a very picky eater. I've even heard other people claim that disliking a food indicates an allergy!!!!

I have a niece with serious food allergies, hives, swelling throat etc. My friend's situation is nothing like that. I have actually met 2 people over the years with serious reactions to onions and close relatives (anaphylaxis), it's very rare but real. On the other hand there is this new field of dietary science concerning inflammation-basically that certain foods can cause minor reactions and if a person is eating a lot of these foods, the minor irritations build on each other. At first I thought is was bunk, but then I found this old book of my mother's about arthritis, and it had a chapter on what foods to avoid. I basically said the same thing.

I guess the reasoning behind it's new interest (and trendiness) is that 100-200 years ago people spent their whole lives eating more or less the same foods since birth. Recently -and especially in the last 30-40 years, the explosion of foods and ingredients available from around the world means that people sensitive to new foods are constantly exposed to new sources of the problem.

I don't know if it's true or not. Me, if I see a new ingredient, I say:

"Ooooh, what's that? I've never tried that before."


Anyway, ideas about subs would be helpful. I'm looking for the low, musky flavor. I can figure out the sweetness part. I read somewhere asofetida works, and I may have a little jar of it hidden away in some cupboard. Or maybe I tossed it.

[tralfaz]

Hey, Shell, you must have posted that while I was tapping away. I think I did toss it, maybe it's an excuse to go into the city for some hunting and gathering.

[KYHeirloomer]

asofetida is more often used as a sub for garlic than for onions. But being as your friend eats garlic with impunity (which, btw, would indicate to me that it's a bogus allergy), no need to sub.

[AndyG]

Substitute for onions: No results found; make oatmeal. To try this search again, click on this link: porridge

[DC Sunshine]

Had you thought of leeks? They are milder than onions but could work alright, use the white part only, wash thoroughly first. (they get a lot of grit in them)