Vegan Indian Food

5 min

13/05/2024

Health

Vegan

Indian Food

Plant-Powered Palate: A Journey Into
Indian Kitchens

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Quick Summary

Indian cuisine offers diverse vegan options that are not only feasible but also incredibly flavourful. From the North to the South, East to West, the culinary landscape of India offers a plethora of plant-based dishes that are sure to tantalise the taste buds and nourish the body.

For Indians, embracing a vegan diet isn't just about personal health; it's also about ethical considerations and environmental sustainability. With its growing popularity and market expansion, veganism in India is not just a trend — it's a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future.

Deep Dive

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Picture this: savoury theplas, hearty lentils, and aromatic curries — all without meat or dairy. Yes, you heard it right! Delicious Indian food isn't limited to butter chicken (for non-vegetarians) and paneer tikka masala (for vegetarians); it also has mouthwatering plant-based dishes waiting to be explored.

From Uttar Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, Mizoram to Gujarat, we're taking a flavourful ride through the heart and soul of Indian cooking. So, come on, let's ditch the stereotypes and uncover the delicious secrets of veganism in Indian kitchens!

Understanding Vegan Diet

Before we dive deep into vegan Indian recipes, we must understand what a vegan diet is. A diet is considered vegan when it is free from animal products like meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products of any kind. Veganism is a lifestyle choice rooted in compassion for animals, environmental sustainability, and personal health.

Why Indians Need a Vegan Diet

While there are many reasons that support the shift to a vegan diet, here are some benefits seen by the Indian population:

1. A vegan diet helps lower the levels of cholesterol that occur due to saturated fats in meat-based dishes.

2. Indians suffer from Type 2 diabetes due to our high consumption of dairy products, which would be avoided in a vegan diet.

3. With a vegan diet, one can control cravings for fat and sugar-rich foods, which leads to a lower weight and balanced BMI.

4. A vegan diet, centred around whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, provides ample fibre and nutrients that promote optimal digestion.

5. Studies have shown that a vegan diet can lower the risk of developing chronic diseases such as certain types of cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases — the cases of which are increasing in India at an alarming rate.

6. For many Indians, the decision to embrace a vegan diet extends beyond personal health and encompasses ethical considerations regarding animal welfare.

Vegan Indian Food Options

If you are planning to go vegan to reap its health benefits, you must be wondering which of your favourite Indian dishes are vegan in nature. Well, most Indian cuisines are vegan as they are based around the usage of vegetables, fruits and grain.

While every region has its own form of meat or dairy dishes, the staple food eaten by Indians is vegan in nature. What are a few examples of vegan dishes? Well, which aren't? Be it sambhar, dosas, and idlis from South India, or makke ki roti and sarson ka saag from North India. Be it the vegetarian pulavs and biryanis or the lentils/dals that every region cooks every day. Everything is vegan.

Maybe the question to be asked isn't if Indian food is vegan in nature but how can we explore the vast range of dishes that Indian cuisine has to offer, which any vegan would love to have on their plate.

Here are some vegan Indian dishes you must not miss out on:

1. Chana Masala

2. Coconut Chutney

3. Aloo matar Samosa

4. Soft Gujarati Thepla

5. Tofu Tikka Masala

6. Baingan ka Bharta

7. Vegetable Biryani

8. Palak Paneer (with tofu substitute)

9. Masoor Dal

10. Vegetable Korma

11. Bhindi Masala

12. Rajma (Kidney Bean Curry)

13. Aloo Gobi

14. Pani Puri (with vegan filling)

15. Masala Dosa

...and the list goes on. The world of vegan Indian cuisine is vast and exciting, with countless mouthwatering dishes to discover. Which is your favourite?

Exploring the Wide Range of Vegan Indian Dishes

With such a vast and varied culinary landscape spread across the country, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin this amazing exploration of vegan Indian cuisine. So, here are some ideas to help you:

Food Tours

Begin by embarking on a virtual food tour. Start with the fiery curries of South India, move on to the fragrant biryanis of the North, head back to the sweet dishes of the West and end with the comforting dals of the East. Along the way, sample regional specialities, discover hidden gems, and learn about the unique dishes offered in different regions.

Workshops

Enroll in cooking workshops and classes focused on vegan Indian cuisine. Learn how to make fluffy idlis, fragrant biryanis, or soft puranpolis. There's always something new to discover in the world of Indian vegan cooking. Look for classes taught by experienced chefs or home cooks who are passionate about sharing their love for vegan Indian food.

Online Resources

Explore websites, blogs and social media channels dedicated to Indian vegan cuisine. From recipe blogs and cooking videos to Instagram accounts, there's a ton of inspiration and information related to Indian vegan dishes available at your fingertips.

Going the Vegan Way

Indian cuisine offers diverse options when it comes to vegan food. Each region has its unique specialities and culinary traditions. And with so many options to choose from, we bet that you'll never run out of delicious plant-based dishes to try! Go out and explore the wide range of vegan options that Indian cuisine has to offer. You might just find your new favourite dish!