Indian Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is regarded as the first step leading to humanitarianism. Hindu priests living even before Mahavira and Buddha gave up meat and was of the opinion that life is sacred. Indian cuisine gained popularity during the period of the Mughals when different kinds of dishes gained popularity.

If we take Indian cuisine from the traditional point of view, cooking techniques are handed down to the daughters from their mothers. However, a male chef is not uncommon these days.

A meal served in any Indian home is a harmonious presentation of yoghurt and spices. In fact, the spices as well as the herbs used have carminative as well as digestive property.

It is believed that the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Just as India has a host of non-vegetarian dishes to boast about, the country's genius is also manifested in vegetarian cookery.

Cuisine in different parts of India

North India

Punjab and the adjoining area may be referred to as the "Wheat Zone". Since wheat is mainly predominant in this area, meal mainly comprises wheat as the main ingredient. Rice takes a backseat in this area. Tandoori as well as Mughlai techniques are applied in this region.

South India

In this region, rice is prepared in various forms. Food is not as greasy as in North India and is hotter. Coconut plays an important role in South Indian dishes. Yoghurt is also widely used in this area.

Western India

This region specializes in Maharashtrian as well as Gujarati dishes. Typical meal of this area starts with a sweet dish followed by vegetables and pulse dishes. At the end of the meal, usually rice dishes are served.

Eastern India

Pulse preparations as well as rice are considered as the staple diet of this region. Bengals' sweet vegetarian dishes are very famous and this region boasts of several other cuisines as well.

Therefore, it is evident from the fact that the climate, environmental conditions and the crops greatly influence the eating habits of the people in the country. These in turn have given rise to the variation in eating habits.

Not many prefer cooking vegetarian dishes but it can really challenge your cooking abilities. Given below is a vegetarian preparation from India:

Name of the dish

Peas in Onion

Time for preparation-

10 minutes

Time for cooking-

30 minutes

Servings-

4

It may be mentioned here that do piazza implies that the amount of onion that will be used is twice that of the main ingredient. However, the amount may vary depending on the taste desired.

Ingredients required

Ghee- ½ cup

1 onion (large) chopped finely

225 grams of green peas

Green chillies-2 (chopped)

Tomatoes-4(made into 4 pieces)

Button onions-450 grams

Ginger-2 teaspoons, sliced

Yoghurt-150ml

Warm water-300 ml

Spices

Cloves-2

Bay leaves-2

Cardamom-1

Peppercorns-6

Cumin seeds-1/2 teaspoon

Toppings-

Garam masala- 1 tablespoon

Chopped capsicum-1

Process-

Ghee is heated in a saucepan and the onions are fried in it till it does not turn golden. The saucepan is kept over low heat. The whole spices are added and stirred well. Thereafter, ingredients from green peas to ginger are added. The mixture is stirred for about 5 to 7 minutes.

Then yogurt is added along with water and salt. The sauce pan is kept over low heat for about 16 minutes. The contents of the saucepan are transferred to a serving dish and to it the toppings are added in the order shown. The onion that was fried earlier is added to this mixture. The serving dish is heated in an oven for 5 minutes prior to serving.

Shuvojit Dasgupta is a contributed writer for Batchmates.com the largest Alumni portal in India. With his research work and articles he has added an additional edge to the entertainment e-magazine BM Times. His articles reach to millions of readers every day which are varied in subjects.

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Vegetarianism and Vegetarian Food

Vegetarianism refers to the belief and practice of eating foods derived from the plant kingdom only. Meat or slaughtered animals (e.g. fish, shellfish, fowl, poultry) is typically excluded from the diet, as well as animal products or produce such as honey and eggs. Vegetarianism practice, however, varies, with some abstaining from meat but not from animal products like eggs.

Based on their strictness of diet, there are four types of vegetarians:

* Lacto-ovo-vegetarianism diet excludes meat, poultry, and fish but includes eggs, dairy, and honey.

* Lacto-vegetarianism excludes meat, poultry, fish, and eggs but consumes dairy and honey. 

* Ovo-vegetarianism excludes meat, poultry, fish, and dairy; eats eggs and honey.

Veganism excludes all meats and other foods derived from animals such as milk, cheese, eggs, and honey.

WHY PEOPLE GO VEGETARIAN

Though vegetarianism has been practiced for centuries by societies such as India, it's popularity in the western world surged only in the 20th century, particularly due to the growing concern on how to improve bodily health.  Some have adopted vegetarianism for ideological reasons (e.g. environmental and economic vegetarianism).

Health and nutrition

Various studies have shown that a diet that abstains from meat lower one's risk of getting deadly diseases such as heart disease. Consumption of meat has been linked with increased risk of developing cancer.

Regular consumption of vegetables, on the other hand, lowers one's risk for developing diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Vegetarian diet provides nutrients such  as carbohydrates, fiber, and folate, high levels of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants. These elements are essential in combating or preventing development of diseases. Vegetables have also low levels of cholesterol and saturated fat, and so prevent heart disease and hypertension.

WEIGHT CONTROL

According to the American Dietetic Association, vegetarians have lower body mass index. This is because vegetables are rich in essential nutrients and amino acids, yet low in cholesterol, trans-fat, and saturated fat. People who'd like to lose or control body weight the healthy way must resort to a vegetarian diet.

RELIGIOUS REASONS

Indians account for approximately 70% of the world's vegetarians. Majority of the Indian's vegetarianism is directly linked with their Hindu belief that all animals are sacred. Buddhism and Jainism also holds vegetarianism as a moral conduct that can help believers achieve spiritual progress. Jainism espouses all-around non-violence , while Theravadin Buddhists consider taking of life and eating meat as sinful acts.  

ECOLOGICAL REASONS 

Commercial production of meat and animal products or industrial animal farming, according to a United Nations report, is one of the top contributors of air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. Forests have been lost: millions of acres of vegetation have been cleared to make way for cattle grazing. Growing of crops to feed the animals take up almost 50% of the US' water supply . 80% of all agricultural land in the country is used to grow these crops.

ECONOMIC REASONS

Animal production is many times more expensive than grain or vegetable production.  Economic vegetarians believe that raising of animals for meat consumption requires use of resources that could otherwise be used to curb world starvation. 

ETHICAL REASONS

Some people believe that animals are sentient beings and have rights to live as much as humans. Killing of animals, therefore, is viewed as morally wrong.

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