World Vegetarian Day | Five Most-Loved Indian Vegetarian Dishes

October is celebrated as 'The Month of Vegetarian Food' worldwide. It starts from October 1 with the World Vegetarian Day, culminating on November 1 with Internation Vegan Day. The month-long fest is aimed at bringing awareness about vegetarianism and the benefits of adopting a plant-based lifestyle.

India, world-renowned for vegetarianism, has the largest number of vegetarians in the world. Major religions in India like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism strongly adhere to adopting a vegetarian diet. Hence, vegetarian dishes form a major part of the Indian cuisine. Here is a list of five most-loved must-try vegetarian dishes which cherish and celebrate vegetarianism.

1. Chole Bhature

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A dish enjoyed by people of all ages, Chole Bhature is a crowd pleaser. The dish comprises of deep fried puris and spicy chickpeas served with onions and pickles. A loaded package of wholesome indulgence, Chole Bhature is best enjoyed followed by a cooling glass of buttermilk (sweet or salted) or a lemonade. Be sure to be on an empty stomach to gorge on this else it can leave you excessively full.

2. Masala Dosa

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A majorly popular south Indian delicacy, masala dosa is made from fermented rice and lentils. A thin, crispy pancake, the dosa is stuffed with a mixture of boiled potatoes, onions and spices. Consequently, there are innumerable versions of the humble masala dosa, with stuffings ranging from mix vegetables to just plain cheese or even chocolate. Most enjoyed with piping hot sambhar and coconut chutney, it provides a filling breakfast or a scrumptious lunch.

3. Aloo Parantha

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Flatbreads stuffed with potatoes is a favourite Indian breakfast. These hot delights are best enjoyed with curd and sour pickle/chutney. Opt for salted, home-made makkhan for an authentic taste. They can also be stuffed with cottage cheese, radish, cauliflower, or any mix stuffing of your liking.

4. Undhiya-Puri

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This Gujarati dish has more vegetables than you can even think of. The regional speciality comprises of at least 10 different vegetables along with muthia (chickpea flour dumplings). The stew is slow-cooked allowing the spices to infuse inside the vegetables. The dish is mainly enjoyed during the winter months with shrikhand or basundi (local sweet specialities).

5. Kadhi Khichadi

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The quintessential Indian dish, kadhi-khichadi, is a vital part of the Indian diet. Having all the vital nutrients, the dish is light on the stomach and fairly easy to digest. It is especially recommended to those suffering from digestive problems. There are numerous versions of the dish varying according to different regions in India. It is best enjoyed hot with a dollop of pure ghee. Kadhi-Khichadi was even served at the White House when the Indian Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi was on a visit to the US.

These dishes are just some among hundreds of Indian vegetarian dishes. Each region specializes in their own cuisine offering a plethora of scrumptious choices. India sure knows that vegetarian = tasty!