Travel the spice route

Indian vegetarian on the menu

Vegetarianism has been an important tradition in India for centuries. From north to south and parts between, there are a great many vegetarians throughout the land of Gandhi. Millions in fact. But it is in the south where the majority of the population is Hindu that the percentage of vegetarians is highest at 78%. Indian cuisine is spicier than many others and, because so many vegetables grow well in this area, vegetarian recipes abound.

Indian cuisine in a nutshell  

Refined and spicy is the easiest way to describe Indian cuisine. What’s more, it is rich, featuring endless combinations of flavours that deliciously enhance meats, cereals, vegetables, and fish. The perfect cuisine to wake up the senses! The secret to Indian cooking is the abundant use of herbs and spices. Cardamom, coriander, cumin, turmeric (Indian saffron), ginger… this multitude of choices makes Indian cuisine of the most aromatic cuisines in the world!

Did you know?

• The basics of Indian cuisine are rooted in the principles of Ayurveda (tradition of philosophical and herbal medicine).
  
  
• The use of each spice as an ingredient in a dish is dictated by traditional rules that have been handed down from generation to generation.
  
  

Culinary tips and advice : Venturing into Indian cuisine 

• The importance of spices is undeniable, all dishes being aromatic and spicy. The nature of the spice being used dictates whether it should be added at the start, during cooking, or when ready to serve.  
  
  
• The amount of spices is critical: it must allow for a balance of flavours without one spice overpowering the others.  
  
  
• Many dishes with sauces are made using masala (or spice blend). The best known is garam masala (a blend of cardamom, clove, cinnamon and other spices). 
  
  
• Bread is also important. More than a food item, it serves as a utensil in a cuisine where food is eaten with the fingers.  
  
  
• Drinking large amounts of typical milky beverages is recommended to diminish the effects of spicy foods.  
  
  
• Dals are a mainstay in Indian vegetarian cooking. They are what we refer to here as “dry legumes”. Use them in your own recipes!
  
  

Recipe Ideas

To initiate you to this nourishing, not to mention very flavourful, vegetarian cuisine, here are a few simple and appetizing recipes you can try:

Vegetable Curry on Basmati Rice

Beef Rogan Josh

Indian Braised Red Cabbage

Indian Marinade

Indian Shrimp Curry

Indian-style Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs

Spicy pan-fried potatoes

Indian Potato Salad

Indian-style mussels with curry, parsley and dill

Curried Yogurt Marinade

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