From msn.com
Post 2020, there has been a remarkable surge in the popularity of plant-based eating in India. It has moved beyond the fascination for plant-based meat and milk alternatives and incorporated native Indian foods and traditional recipes. Indians are doing vegan their way, and it has transformed into a truly desi movement.
Driven by compassion, and environmental, and health concerns, choosing plant-based food is becoming popular as a sustainable and delicious option for many. Leading the way are the family recipes and local ingredients, which are also low-carbon and farmer-friendly.
In a way, we have just put two and two together, realising how many of the foods we have been eating at home are naturally vegan, or easy to veganism. These are familiar, comforting, and inexpensive foods that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Dal-chawal, upma, undhiyu, pithla, chole, kadala curry and many more vegan recipes are family staples. India's culinary diversity also offers opportunities to experiment with new recipes from different regions. As an example, my kitchen is mostly southern Indian, and a Sunday breakfast special is Bihar style Aloo Puri.
Indiatoday spoke with Prashanth Vishwanath, Country Director, Veganuary India to get more insights.
The exposure and access to modern ingredients, and the rise in popularity of millets and lentils means people eating vegans are spoilt for choice when it comes to protein. Even ingredients like oats and quinoa have been seamlessly integrated into Indian recipes like masala oats and quinoa khichdi.
BRANDS ADAPTING TO CHANGING CONSUMER NEEDS
Brands are taking note of this shift, and have jumped on the bandwagon. After an initial surge in exotic meat alternatives, many brands are introducing plant-based versions that suit the Indian palate. The tandoori chaap, plant chicken tikkas, biryanis and keemas are an interesting novelty and easy to incorporate into meals for most Indian households.
High-quality and local ingredients like chickpeas, pea protein, millet milk and jackfruit have made their way into plant-based products, increasing their nutrition profile while keeping costs competitive.
DINING OUT
The hospitality industry has evolved, making plant-based options more accessible and tempting than ever.
Innovative chefs are creating culinary experiences that highlight the tastes, textures and even nostalgia of plant-based meals.
India's thriving street food and chaat scene has lent itself well to those eating plant-based food. With increased awareness, people can choose from the diverse options that were always vegan or ask the vendor to customise them with minor tweaks.
This latter part comes naturally to us, like asking for sukha puri to end a plate of gol gappe.
For those looking for a world cuisine experience, plant-based options have surged through the roof. Fermentation, sous-vide cooking, and molecular gastronomy have resulted in plant-based dishes that are as complex and flavourful as their animal-based counterparts.
From juicy plant-based burgers that 'bleed' beet juice to dairy-free cheeses with real tanginess, chefs are pushing the limits of plant-based food.
Restaurants and catering services have expanded their menus to include a range of plant-based dishes. This year, Indian restaurants introduced seventy new vegan menu items in the month of January alone.
Catering to vegan customers is not just ethical or environmentally responsible, but also good business. This surge in awareness, availability and willingness to experiment has made eating vegans more enjoyable.
DRIVEN BY HEALTH AND WELLNESS
More Indians are choosing to eat vegan for their health, as reported by participants of the Veganuary 31-day challenge. A well-planned vegan diet can supply all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for good health.
Plant-based diets are often high in fibre, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which are linked to a variety of health advantages.
A healthy vegan diet rich in whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds may supply an abundance of necessary nutrients while being low in saturated fats.
Numerous scientific studies have found that vegan diets can help prevent and manage chronic illnesses like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
Indians have rewritten the 'formula' for eating vegan. While we leverage the rich array of native recipes and comfort foods which have always been vegan, we also indulge in innovative modern recipes of meat and milk alternatives, which are tailored to our taste buds.
And of course, there's also the option of indulging in a plant-based burger which 'bleeds' beet juice, when we feel like it. Now, where's my bowl of salad?!
