Month: September 2017

Diverse, steeped in tradition and greatly influenced by tradition, the traditional Indian cuisine has been around for many, many years. Gourmet Indian food is associated with the food cooked in the courts of the Indian royalty. The cooking techniques are elaborate and include the use of rich ingredients.

Over time, Indian food has been influenced by many phenomena the most prominent of which is religion. Over 80% Indians are followers of Hinduism which advocates respect for all life forms and has been the reason for the prevalence of vegetarianism in the country.
However, the roots of the vegetarian cuisine go much deeper. The earliest records of vegetarianism come from ancient India and the ancient Greek civilization. The ideology is associated with the idea of non-violence towards animals.

The Indian cuisine developed its basics from its Ayurvedic background. The concept of heating and cooling foods comes from this history which can be traced back to 4000 B.C. Even before that, the scientists believe that the early man foraged for berries and edible plants to sustain himself.

The earliest records are of the ancient Vedic period, where eating meat was allowed but a vegetarian diet was encouraged. The various groups and cultures that have interacted with the Indian population have led to the diversity of flavours.

Jainism and Buddhism further added to the notion of non-violence and support a vegetarian way of life. The Jain ideologies were and still are particularly strict.

The earliest Indian diets included pulses, vegetables, fruits, dairy products and grains. It is safe to say that it was an all vegetarian diet.

Vegetarianism has been a part of the Indian culture for generations. It was only with the Mughals that meat became a part of the staple Indian diet. All the rulers before that, the Mauryas, Guptas, etc. were staunch vegetarians.

Once the Mughals took over they introduced the Persian and Arabic styles of cooking. After that the British took over the food habits of the Indians were greatly influenced.

The most interesting part of the Indian cuisine is that it has evolved to suit the Indian climate. For example, in the northern part of the country, garam masalais predominantly used because the weather is colder compared to other parts of the country and the spices in the masala give heat to the body. Similarly, in the southern part of the country, cooling
spices are used in the food.

The Indian cuisine is still evolving, as a result of constant interactions with other societies and cultures and we are curious to see what the next chapter brings with it.

The days where vegetarians were served leaves and salads are long gone. With the kind of variety available in the market today, following a vegetarian diet is extremely easy, not to mention healthy. Especially in a country like India, where so many delightful vegetarian options are available on a daily basis. Many restaurants are pure vegetarian and have been rated as the top dining places.

Let’s look at some of the reasons to go vegetarian.

1. The most common of all… A vegetarian diet reduces the risk of heart diseases and cholesterol because ditching meat automatically reduces the amount of saturated fats in your diet. This improves the overall condition of your heart.

2. An American Diabetes Association study states that vegetarians have a lower risk of being diagnosed with diabetes as vegetarian food keeps the blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check.

3. Even though studies have proved that a vegetarian diet helps reduce weight, we don’t need the proof. It is common knowledge that eating a healthy portion of veggies increases energy and improves metabolism which assists us in reducing that waistline. And let’s face it, we could all use some of that!

4. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are loaded with anti-oxidants that delay wrinkles, spots and other signs of aging.

5. Many people justify that meat has more protein and provides vital nutrients that vegetables lack. This is a lie. Vegetables, fruits and grains provide more than enough nutrition to support a healthy lifestyle, not to mention it is a kinder way to gain nutrition and stops cruelty towards animals.

6. A recent UN report states that eating meat is one of the biggest cause of
environmental distress. It causes 40% more green-house gas emission than cars, trucks, ships and planes combined!

7. There is evidence that vegetarians have a lower rate of being diagnosed with cancer. Fruits and vegetables are strongly associated with avoiding certain types of cancers.

8. Flesh food can carry contaminants that an imbalance your metabolic system and cause harmful side effects. Not to mention the bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause diseases.

9. Vegetarian food is any day more economical. Not only when ordering at a restaurant but also because it is a healthier option and you won’t have to visit the doctor often. Vegetarian food is also easier to digest so you can save on those hard-core gyms.

10. The variety available in vegetarian food is unbelievable! There are so many options that getting bored is not even an option. With all the Indian spices enriching the flavour even more, it is just too good to miss out on!

Veg food is taking the world by a storm, so much so that people in staunch non-vegetarian countries like the USA are choosing a vegetarian option over meat.

Tell us what your favorite thing is about a Vegetarian Meal.