Best Onion Substitutes in Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry
This recipe calls for 1 onion, diced. If you're out of onion or need to adapt the recipe, here are 5 tested substitutes - each with a quantity guide and notes on how it changes the dish.
About This Substitution
Role in this recipe: Aromatic base, sweetness and flavour foundation
When you can't eat alliums (FODMAP) or need a milder flavour.
5 Substitutes for Onion in Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry
1. Shallots
Ratio: 3 shallots per onion
Sweeter and more delicate - a refined substitute that works especially well in French-style dishes.
2. Leek (white part)
Ratio: 1:1 by weight
Milder and slightly sweeter - great in soups, risottos and creamy dishes where a subtle allium is wanted.
3. Fennel bulb
Ratio: 1:1 by weight
Completely different flavour (anise) when raw, sweet and mellow when cooked - excellent in Mediterranean dishes.
4. Onion powder
Ratio: 1 tsp per medium onion
Provides background flavour but not texture or body - useful in a pinch for seasoning.
5. Spring onions (leeks)
Ratio: 1 bunch per onion
Much milder - use the white parts and cook well for a gentle allium flavour.
View the Full Recipe
See the complete Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry recipe for American kitchens with US cup measurements and °F temperatures.
Other Recipes Using Onion
Want to understand why substitutions work?
Our Cook Like A Pro video course teaches the underlying techniques - so you can confidently adapt any vegan recipe to what's in your fridge.
Explore the course Back to recipe