An Introduction to Indian Food
Indian food has its own reputation. People who aren’t familiar with Indian dishes may call all the dishes “curries.” Then come the people who think the food has too much spice and group all the foods under the “pungent or too zesty” category. Of course, different people have different perceptions. But labeling an array of traditions and a long list of food items under one term does not do it justice. So today with Shiva Shakti, let’s learn a little more about one of the most diverse cuisines in the world: Indian cuisine, specifically the vegetarian part of the cuisine.
Popular Indian Vegetarian Dishes
India can be called “heaven” for vegetarian and vegan people. Why? Because the options are limitless for them. Almost everywhere you go in India, you will be able to find vegetarian options. If you are planning to eat Indian food and want some popular dishes to try, then Shiva Shakti has your back. Let’s see some popular Indian vegetarian dishes:
Paneer Tikka
You probably expected this to top our list. Paneer is so versatile that it can be put in any gravy or tandoor, and it will turn out perfect every time. Paneer tikka is no exception. Indian spices and yogurt coat the outside of the paneer, giving it a tangy, zesty feel.
Chole Bhature
One of the classics and our personal favorite. Chole is chickpeas, and bhature is a type of tasty flatbread. When paired together, they taste absolutely delicious. In India, the most famous place to eat chole bhature is in the north, specifically in Delhi.
Hyderabadi Baingan
Baingan is Aubergine (Brinjal/Eggplant). This is a tasty mixture of tamarind, sesame seeds, and the finest spices. Note: Some of the methods of preparing this dish may include peanuts, so if you have a peanut allergy, this is not a good option.
Gobi Matar
Matar is peas, and Gobi is cauliflower. This dish gives your boring, healthy veggies a tasty and slightly tangy tinge. It is a popular dish that is also very healthy. Additionally, this dish is pretty simple to prepare at home. Or you can visit Shiva Shakti and have a taste of the delicious Indian spices
Essential Spices for cooking Indian food
There are some spices that Indian food would be incomplete without. These spices not only make the food tastier and more appetizing, but they also contain a lot of health benefits. Let’s see the three most essential ingredients for Indian cooking
Turmeric
Turmeric (haldi) is a spice that is used in the majority of Indian cooking. It enhances the food’s taste and gives it a pretty color. As for the benefits, haldi is anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, and helps relieve joint pains (arthritis) and much more.
Red Chili Powder
Red chili powder also improves the color of the food while adding spice. But it also helps lower blood pressure and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Cumin seeds
They add flavor to the food along with a slight aroma. Using cumin seeds keeps blood sugar in check, has properties that fight cancer-causing cells, and may help lower cholesterol.
Indian Vegetarian Dishes Recipes
Paneer Tikka
In a bowl, take 6 tablespoons of dahi (curd), 1 ½ teaspoon of red chili powder, 1 ½ teaspoon of haldi (turmeric), 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of chaat masala and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Then add one 1 ½ teaspoon of garlic ginger paste. To this mixture add 2 tablespoons of the oil of your choice. Mix everything together. Mix in the capsicum and onion slices. Coat them in the mixture then add in the paneer (cottage cheese) and coat it with the mixture too. Let it rest for half an hour before threading it over the skewers. You can cook this in the oven, over tawa, or grill them.
Palak Paneer
Take a pan and add 1 tablespoon of oil. To this, add 3-4 green chilies (chopped). Add palak (spinach) and cashew nuts to this. Saute this for 2-3 mins. Cool the mixture, and then blend it in a blender. Note that the puree needs to be smooth and the consistency has to be thick.
Take the pan and add half a spoon of butter and half a spoon of oil for the gravy. For the spices, use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder (you may use a stick too), 2 cloves, and 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds. Now add chopped onions and garlic ginger paste. Then we will add half a cup of tomato puree ( you may skip this step) and 2 teaspoons of salt. When the tomato starts turning mushy, add a half cup of water and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. When the gravy thickens, add the palak blend we prepared. Wait for 2 minutes, then add in the paneer pieces. Stir it and turn off the heat. Your palak paneer is ready!
Aloo matar
This might be the simplest recipe yet. Aloo is potatoes, and matar is peas. We start by cutting the potatoes into small cubes. Take around 1 cup of peas and put it in a bowl of water. In a pan, heat the oil and add 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds, 1 ½ teaspoons of haldi, 2 teaspoons of red chili powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons of ginger garlic paste. Add in chopped onions and saute the mixture. You may add tomato puree at this stage. Cook it for 5 minutes before adding the potato cubes and the peas. Saute and add half a cup of water before closing the lid. Cook this 15 minutes or till the potatoes are soft and mushy. If the gravy is too runny for your preference, you can cook it further till the excess gravy evaporates.
FAQ
What is the most eaten thing in India?
Tomato-based gravies are one of the most common things eaten in India.
What is not eaten in India?
Beef is a food that is eaten very little in India due to religious beliefs.
Which country is totally vegetarian?
Although there is no country that is totally vegetarian, India comes close as 42% of India are pure vegetarians.
What negative effects do vegetarianism have?
They are at higher risk of having a B12 deficiency.