Indian Vegetarian Food
Imagine you are at a family gathered around a large dining table with Indian Vegetarian food. A variety of colorful vegetarian dishes are spread across the table. There’s a big bowl of ‘dal’ (lentils) offering proteins and fiber, a serving dish filled with ‘palak paneer’ (spinach and cottage cheese) providing calcium and vitamins, a plate piled with ‘rotis’ (whole wheat bread) giving complex carbohydrates and fiber, and a mixed vegetable curry cooked in minimal oil for the necessary vitamins and minerals.
An elderly member of the family serves everyone. Each person’s plate is a rainbow of colors, indicating the variety of nutrients they are about to consume. The family members chat, laugh, and enjoy their meal together, fostering community and emotional well-being.
The children are encouraged to try a bit of everything, instilling in them the importance of a balanced diet from a young age. After the main course, they enjoy a dessert of fresh fruits and a small piece of ‘Gulab Jamun (a milk-based sweet), promoting the idea that sweets can be enjoyed in moderation.
You are probably drooling at the thought of being there for such a dinner. That is the beauty of a healthy Indian vegetarian meal.
Vegetarianism in India is deeply intertwined with its religious, cultural, and social fabric and has been a significant part of the country’s traditions for many centuries. India is known for having many vegetarians compared to many other countries. It is estimated that about 40% of Indians are vegetarians. The roots of vegetarianism in India are ancient and complex, intertwined with various beliefs and practices emphasizing non-violence, spiritual well-being, and health. These traditions continue to influence dietary habits in India today, making it one of the countries with the highest percentage of vegetarians worldwide.
The country’s religious beliefs are the most potent influence on vegetarianism in India. Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, which originated in India, have doctrines or practices encouraging non-violence and compassion towards all life forms, influencing followers to adopt a vegetarian diet.
The principle of ‘Ahimsa,’ or non-violence towards all living beings, is a core tenet of Hindu philosophy. Many Hindus interpret this to include animals, leading them to adopt a vegetarian diet. Additionally, many Hindu sects and communities, such as the Brahmins in many regions, traditionally adhere to vegetarianism. Jainism takes the principle of Ahimsa to its utmost extent. Jains follow a strict form of vegetarianism, avoiding meat and certain vegetables that require the plant to be killed to be harvested, like potatoes and onions.
Vegetarian Food Has A Wide Variety
The Indian culinary tradition offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, with grains, lentils, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and spices making up most of the traditional Indian diet. From appetizers to desserts, each regional cuisine in India offers numerous vegetarian specialties that are unique and packed with flavor.
Wheat rotis, particularly thick ones, are a staple in many Indian villages. These rotis are often made from whole wheat flour or atta in rural India. ‘Roti’ refers to any Indian bread and can include thick and thin variations. The thicker versions are sometimes known as ‘bhakri’ in some regions.
Many people who follow a vegetarian diet include milk and milk products. This form of vegetarianism is often referred to as lacto-vegetarianism. Consuming milk and milk products, such as cheese, yogurt, and butter, provide various nutritional benefits.
Milk products are excellent sources of high-quality protein, providing the body’s essential amino acids. Proteins are necessary to grow, repair, and maintain body tissues, including muscles and organs. Some milk products are fortified with vitamin D, a nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and is vital for bone health.
Ayurvedic Perspective
In terms of diet, Ayurveda does not explicitly mandate vegetarianism, but it does promote a primarily plant-based diet for its health and spiritual benefits. Ayurveda recognizes that the foods we eat significantly affect our physical health and emotional well-being, as well as our consciousness and spiritual progress.
Ayurveda revolves around three “doshas” or life forces – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique balance of these doshas, influencing their physical and mental health. Many plant-based foods are beneficial for balancing these doshas, while certain meats can aggravate them.
Ayurveda places significant emphasis on good digestion, viewing it as central to health. Plant-based foods, rich in fiber, are generally easier to digest and supportive of gut health, helping to maintain regular bowel movements and aiding detoxification.
Ayurveda says fresh fruits and vegetables contain ‘prana’ or life force energy. Consuming them is believed to increase vitality and overall life energy.
Yogic Perspective
The Sattvic diet, also known as the Yogic diet, originates from Ayurveda and Yoga philosophies. The term ‘Sattvic’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Sattva,’ which refers to purity, knowledge, and harmony. This diet promotes foods that are supposed to instill these qualities, supporting physical health and spiritual growth.
The Sattvic diet focuses on seasonal foods, fruits, dairy products, nuts, seeds, oils, ripe vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. It aims to include fresh, nutritious, tasty, naturally sourced foods preferably consumed in a peaceful environment. While the Sattvic diet is primarily vegetarian, the key principle is consuming pure and wholesome foods prepared and eaten with mindfulness and gratitude.
Foods that are not considered Sattvic include meat, fish, eggs, onion, garlic, caffeine, alcohol, processed food, and food that is overly spicy or fried. The idea is to avoid foods that can stimulate the senses excessively (termed Rajasic) or cause lethargy (termed Tamasic).
The sattvic diet is more than just a list of foods to eat or avoid. It is part of a larger philosophy that encourages mindfulness in eating, including eating in a calm and peaceful environment, being aware of food’s physical and energetic qualities, and expressing gratitude for the nourishment received.
Each region in India has its unique way of adopting vegetarianism, influenced by local produce, cultural beliefs, and historical influences. This results in a vast array of vegetarian dishes across the country, each with its unique flavors and nutritional benefits.
