Food worth travelling for…
With more vegetarians than the rest of the world put together, India is recognised as one of the lowest meat consuming countries. Hence, after almost 7 months in India and with October 1st kicking off the start of World Vegetarian Month, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite traditional vegetarian Indian dishes. With links to recipes to try at home below or for your next trip to India, make sure you experience these tasty local Indian foods!
Back in England, most Fridays you can find me and my family ordering a lamb karahi or chicken vindaloo before settling down in front of an episode of Gogglebox.Most of the time, the idea of having a veggie dish is out of the question, unless mum decides to put on one of her bi-monthly ‘special vegan banquets’ with me and my siblings.
Since living in India throughout the lock-down and beyond, I’ve reduced my normal daily consumption of meat to once a month or less. And, because India’s food is as varied as its landscapes and culture, you can always find something different wherever you go.
Food in India
Most Indian dishes are an abundance of spices, flavours and colours making it easily one of my favourite cuisines. A true representation of India’s diverse culture, the variety of culinary delights you can find across this vast country is countless. From street food to restaurant standard, I have tried each one of these dishes and finally combined the best of the best below!
My 8 must-try Vegetarian Indian dishes
1. Masala Dosa
Simply delightful! Masala Dosa is a south Indian delicacy in the form of a thin pancake. Seeing the street vendors prepare this dish is a fascinating watch. First, a blended white lentil and rice batter (great for coeliacs) is spread thinly onto a hot plate. Next, a mixed potato and chilli-spiced filling coats the pancake before folding and flipping the pancake over. A must-try, dosa is commonly served with a selection of tasty dishes including coconut chutney, sambar, and an onion salad.
2. Aloo paratha
If you’ve read my blog post: How to Cook Aloo Paratha Like a Local– you’ll know this Indian dish is the king of kings for me. The flavoured and crispy fried chapati parcel filled with a soft and spicy potato serves as a feast for the taste buds. One of those ‘please don’t end’ types of dishes, stuffed parathas are a North Indian breakfast served commonly with a side of mango pickle and a yoghurt curd.
3. Paneer butter masala
Why is nobody talking about paneer in the UK? Its everywhere in India! Paneer is a white cheese-curd that is commonly known as chhena and a staple part of the native Indian diet. Like most meat substitutes, paneer can be mixed into multiple sauce dishes including Palak Paneer, Paneer Khadari, and my favourite, paneer butter masala! It’s tomatoey, it’s creamy, it’s spicy. Served with chapati and/or rice- paneer butter masala is everything and Indian dish should taste like to me.
4. Chole Bhatura or Chole Puri
Another favourite, just looking at these pictures makes my mouth water reminiscing on these dishes. At first, it was the sheer size of these balloon-like chapatis that caught my eye. It looks like a heavy dish, but 2 bhaturas enjoyed with a side dish of chole (chickpeas in a tasty sauce) or with aloo or samba make a perfect meal!.
5. Masala Uttapam
I’ve tried this dish once from a street vendor in Delhi about a week ago and my god! It serves as a close rival to my favourite- aloo paratha. Like masala dosa, Uttapam is a type of dosa from South India with a thicker and a crispy crepe-like feel. Commonly served with onions, tomatoes, chillies and a side of chutneys, this crispy and filling dish won’t leave you disappointed!
6. Vegetarian burger
Not common, but I’ve occasionally tried veg-burgers in London. However, during my time in India I’ve realised nothing compares to a tiki patty with eggs, salad, and Indian spices in a soft bun. Surprisingly, I’ve started to enjoy vegetarian burgers a lot more often and no longer miss a meaty beef burger!
7. Thali! A win-win to enjoy a variety of dishes!
My diet for the majority of my 7-week lockdown in India! Thali is a combination of tasty dishes, served together on small plates with a side of chapati/naan/puri, salad and rice. Thali for me is a brilliant way to introduce yourself to a variety of dishes in one go in India. The word Thali translates to a plate or a plateful of food, which you will love!
8. Samosas
My on-the-road favourite, samosas are a cheap and savoury dish that you can grab for 10-20rupees from most street food vendors and restaurants! This deep-fried snack is a favourite amongst Indians. Made with white flour and filled with a mix of onions, potatoes, chillies, and garam masala. You’ll also love enjoying it with a sweet tamarind sauce!
With travel looking like a dream in the distant future right now. Why not try sone of these vegetarian Indian dishes? A friend in Germany messaged me recently saying he tested my Aloo Paratha recipe that I learned during the lockdown. Drop me a comment or message to let me know how you get on with testing these delightful Indian foods!