Vegetarian Dishes

Because of the large number of vegetarian communities throughout the Indian population, there is a strong tradition of meat-free cooking that goes back for centuries, and cooks have perfected the art of creating a vast range of tempting, sustaining and nutritious dishes. Indeed, the dishes are so numerous, delicious and economical that it is quite common for meat-eaters to base their meals around vegetarian food and consume only a small amount of meat.

There is a huge selection of vegetables available in Indian street markets and stores, from leafy greens, tomatoes, aubergines (eggplants) and crunchy (bell) peppers to starchy staples such as root vegetables, squashes and plantains. Spicing also depends on geographical location, with some regions favouring subtle flavours and others preferring intensely hot food.