Language/Hindi/Culture/Vegetarian-Food-in-India

Vegetarian Food in India

In India, vegetarian food isn’t by any means exotic: About 30% of the population are vegetarians, mostly Hindus and Jains.

Virtually all restaurants cater to vegetarians, if they’re not completely vegetarian in the first place.

Often, the English short forms veg/non-veg are used, but if you want to impress your hosts, employ the more bookish terms shākāhārī (= vegetable-eating) and maṃsāhārī (= meat-eating).

Example of Vegetarian Indian Dishes

Mutter Paneer (Peas and Cottage Cheese)

Mutter means peas, and paneer is a kind of cheese curd; this mutter paneer dish combines the two in a rich tomato-based gravy with a touch of cream. The traditional Indian spices of coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala work alongside garlic and ginger pastes and green chilis to create a dish that doesn't skimp on flavor. Serve mutter paneer with parathas, naans, and even jeera rice.

Chole (Chickpea Curry)

This is a basic chole dish that brings a lot of flavor to the dinner table. Chickpeas are simmered for just 10 minutes in a homemade gravy brimming with quintessential spices. Smashing some of the chickpeas creates a nice, thick consistency, perfect for scooping up with pooris/bhatooras (fried Indian bread).

Papdi Chaat

Tangy, spicy, and satisfyingly crunchy, papdi chaat appears at street vendor stands and fast food stops as a popular snack. Many varieties exist with lots of ingredient combos. This recipe starts by making and frying your own papdi dough, then topping it with cooked veggies and topping with chutneys, sev, cilantro, and seasonings.

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