Neutralize skin touches with sugar. They can be de-seeded to lessen their impact. Or substitute a bird or jalapeno pepper. Garlic has become a universal flavoring item. Garlic is highly concentrated so a small number of cloves are often used.
Roasted garlic is more mellow.
Scallions and Chives . Scallions give an onion flavor. Shallots are frequently substituted in many dishes. Chive sticks make a nice delicate onion-based garnish. The West Indian chives have thicker stems, but some of the flavor of shallots.