Have a family member that cannot tolerate onion or garlic because of a past sugery. This is mostly for Brisket's. I normally do K salt, cracked pepper and the above. What can I do without these 2 that will still have a good flavor profile?
Asafoetida, but that won't be available at your local store.
Broaden the pepper flavor by adding white and green along with the black. Go with the warm, 'sweet' spices: coriander, small amounts of cinnamon and/or allspice, a little nutmeg. Appropriate herbal notes would be thyme and sage and/or a little marjoram. Chile, if using: ancho, guajillo, one of the NM, or a blend.