What Can I Use Instead Of Garlic And Onion In The Beef And Aubergine Fatteh?

Our answer

Nigella's Beef And Aubergine Fatteh (from AT MY TABLE) consists of crisp, toasted flatbreads covered with spiced beef and topped with a garlicky yogurt sauce. Unfortunately alliums feature a lot in dishes as they provide a foundation of flavour and it is quite difficult to recommend an alternative outside of the allium family.

For the beef we would suggest omitting the onion and, if you can, replacing the olive oil with a commercial garlic-flavoured oil. Flavoured oil usually uses a garlic extract and we are not sure if you are allergic to garlic extracts, but if you are then just use regular olive oil and taste and season the beef with extra salt, cumin, coriander or chillies, as you prefer. For the yogurt you should also just omit the garlic. You may be able to add slightly more lemon juice if you like, but don't add too much as it will thin the yogurt out and make it runny. And we suggest definitely adding the mint, pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts, as these also add to the flavour and texture of the dish.