3 reasons you shouldn't hate vegans and 3 reasons you actually can

 

3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULDN'T HATE VEGANS PART 1

I completely understand why most of western cuisine is meat based. If I had what they traditionally have as vegetarian food – grilled broccoli, mashed potatoes etc…DAILY as my only quota of veggies, I would absolutely hunt down an animal and personally slaughter it. Western meat-eating diets aren’t as much a result of a lack of morality as much as a lack of masala.

I mean...western world has figured out a way to make everything attractive except veggies

Indian cooking doesn’t restrict vegetarianism to just veggies- different grains- Bajra, Jowar, Ragi, Rice etc. can be used to make everything from biscuits to soup to parathas/dosas. But as popular food critic/defense analyst Abhijit Iyer Mitra would say – Indians are not vegetarians as much as we are ‘Dalerians’. We make the best use of Daal’s i.e. lentils/pulses (I have no idea what’s the difference between the two) – Moong, Matki, Tur, Udad etc etc. We found ways to extract protein out of daals in the best possible and most delicious manner. Our creative use of masalas and oils is just the added benefit. 

But having said that India also is kind of the worst place to be a vegan. Now for those still not in the know- A vegan is more than just a Jihadi Vegetarian. A vegetarian is someone who doesn’t eat meat for a variety of reasons ranging from socio-cultural-religious beliefs, ethical beliefs or health reasons. Either way vegetarians consume milk and some consume eggs which both come from animals without killing them. Veganism is more of a lifestyle than merely a dietary choice. Vegans try and not consume ANYTHING that has any animal products in it. Be it cosmetics or food. So no eggs, no honey and no milk. Some of them go far enough to not buy leather or animal derived gelatine and are often environmental activists. Many people worldwide understand veganism as eating plant-based food, which in a way is its primary focus.  So, for the scope of this article, lets limit ourselves to dietary aspects of veganism.

So why is India one of the worst places to be a vegan? - well, you don’t get to ask that question if you are Indian.

 

Becoming a vegan in India is a Vishwamitra x Menaka level struggle

 

 If I put a gun to your head and gave you 10 seconds to name 5 Indian desserts that don’t have any kind of dairy in it- you would rather eat Ras malai and ask to be shot. We Indians are the largest producers and consumers of dairy products. Not just the desserts, even in our savoury cuisine – we use ghee, curd, paneer, buttermilk, cream freely as bases for our chutneys, curries and raitas. We had mastered the art of not wasting milk owing to its rarity in the ancient times by using it in many forms possible. So you ll get the absolute best vegetarian food here, but as a vegan you ‘d have to be very careful.

But let’s face it right- most people hate vegans and veganism. They are the butt of all jokes in any diet related comedy. Even pure vegetarians who have never eaten meat in their life, either mock vegans or think it’s just a new age dietary fad. Now I like to call myself a recovering vegetarian- I still haven’t given up meat entirely. I don’t know if I can ever go fully vegan. But for the sake of exploring, I don’t mind trying it. But that’s my personal choice entirely. However, if you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian – here are three reasons why you shouldn’t hate vegans –

 

 

You should absolutely thank me for not putting animal cruelty images here

Right about cruelty: I mean they do have a point. Ok we all know killing animals is cruel etc. So the arguments against meat eating are well known thanks to traditional vegetarianism in India. But what about milk and eggs? Well, we do worship and respect cows more than other countries but cows don’t just produce milk all year round. They do it when they are pregnant obviously. So, to produce the amount of milk we need regularly, the cows or buffaloes have to be bred artificially. Often cruelly.

 Bulls are of no use now since we switched to using machines in farms and guess what happens to them? Its no co-incidence we are in the top 5 leather and beef exporting countries in the world. Although we don’t cage our cattle and allow them more relative freedom unlike factory farms in western countries. But when they can’t produce any milk- they are usually left on the roads as strays to die from starvation. Since cow slaughter is illegal in most states in India, they are sold and often transported in trucks over thousands of kilometers for slaughter.

 Poultry industry in India isn’t exactly cruelty free either- We don’t worship chickens hence they are not as respected as cows. Therefore we treat them with much less freedom and respect. Also, male chickens are of no use. You get the idea of what happens to them.

 We may come up with a ‘plants feel pain too’ argument that I have myself used multiple times. But yeah, that doesn’t mean animals don’t. Plants feel it to a lesser degree. I now have no logical or ethical reason for why I eat eggs or consume dairy other than habit and taste.

 I think most people do know this in their hearts and somehow can’t bring themselves to face the uncomfortable truth. That’s why they hate vegans. But let’s admit that they do have a point. Don’t feed yourself bullshit arguments about ‘personal choice’ or ‘protein requirements’.

 

2)     Not just a fad: Now veganism may seem like a new dietary fad suitable for the ultra rich but that’s not sustainable and natural. I mean we weren’t born to consume soya based cheese or oat milk coffee right??

 

Well we weren’t naturally meant to eat KFC or seekh kebabs either. OR smoke. OR drink. OR take dental treatments. But we do all that. Because we evolved. The debate on whether a plant-based diet is actually healthy has now been settled by a variety of research. Many athletes have switched to plant-based diets and achieved better results. The Netflix documentary (yes, I know there is some controversy regarding it) Game – Changers is worth a watch for anyone doubting the health impacts of a plant-based diet. More academic research like the China Study has proven links between meat and dairy consumption to increase in heart attacks and cancer.

 

So even if you forget the ethical aspects, purely for health reasons going vegan can actually be good for you.

 

 

 

3)     The sweeper argument – If you like consuming meat, you should absolutely adore the shit out of vegans. You should write them poems to them and serenade them when they are on the balcony. In fact, you should absolutely encourage more people to be vegans. Why? Well, you don’t mock or hate the person who sweeps your roads right?

 Hating or mocking vegans is the same as that. Guess what’s the biggest cause of pollution in the world? Contrary to what Captain Planet cartoons may have convinced you (God, I feel old) – it’s not just smog producing factory chimneys or your fuel guzzling cars. Its cow farts. I mean literally. The animals raised for meat emit a lot of methane gas. They also need a LOT, I mean A LOTTTTT of water and land for them to just end up as a steak dinner.

 You could technically feed 10 times more people vegetables and crops if that land was used for farming. Eating red meat is a cancer to your body as well as the planet. Indiscriminate commercial fishing by using bombs (yes motherfucking bombs) is causing damage to the seas and not allowing the fish to regenerate. Commercialized meat and fish industry is damaging the planet, buying an electric vehicle isn’t going to solve it.

The vegans are trying to minimize the damage. They are cleaning up the planet. So as a meat eater you should absolutely encourage the shit out of vegans so that you can enjoy your food guilt free.  

 

Having said that, Vegans are humans do and make a lot of mistakes. Here’s why people are right about hating vegans and what they should really introspect about – to be continued in PART 2

EPSIODE 4 - BEST MEAT ALTERNATIVES

 

This being the Shravan season perhaps quite a few of you are eating vegetarian for a month. This inevitably means you’ll crave meat at times.  Now the best way to turn vegetarian is if you don’t crave meat at all. You don’t crave the ‘meatiness’, the thick ‘chewiness’ nor the most important ‘juiciness’ of meat at all.

But let’s be real here. If you are a recovering vegetarian or are not in a position to eat meat at times due to cultural or spiritual reasons, then you are obviously craving meat at times…or something meat like. And that’s perfectly normal. Don’t let anyone fool you by saying –‘Why do you want a meat alternative? Ideally …’. Here’s a good tip in general- train your mind to turn itself off when you hear the word – ‘ideally’. It’s the most unrealistic, unhelpful world ever. Ideally we wouldn’t even need food to exist. Ideally we would just be realized spirits existing only as energy not even needing to take any physical human form. Ideally the world would be ideal. So forget ideally. (I wanted to use a different F-word here).

In the real world, no average person has the resolve of a Sage or a Yogi. (Unless of course you are a yogi). So, you will crave things occasionally. Now dealing with those cravings in a sustainable manner is what is to be figured out. So as a recovering vegetarian or someone who just wants to experiment with different choices, here are MY 4 personal favourite meat alternatives. Stress on the MY… because these are completely subjective. Also, the alternatives have been ranked based on their closeness to meat, their versatlity and also their availability –

Honourable exceptions – In case you have never heard of it, there is a traditional Chinese meat substitute called ‘Seitan’….(not to be confused with Shaitan or the Devil). It’s made from washing wheat dough many times to get this stretchy chewy texture. I have personally never had it and although you can make it at home, I haven’t yet gotten around to it. I have heard its pretty close to Chicken or Bacon depending on how you cook it. But currently am in no position to comment on it.

 

Without further ado, here’s the list :

4. Paneer

 

Am sorry but your best just ain't good enough

 

 

Availablity	5/5
Versatility	3/5
Meatiness	2/5

 

I know I have bitched a lot about Paneer in one of my previous articles. (Click here to read). But having said that, based on sheer availability Paneer is a good alternative to meat. It can be smoked and used in tikkas/kababs. It can also be made into a steak or a good burger patty. In fact, other than potato based patties, it is the second most popularly used burger patty ingredient. It is also very protein rich and can be used creatively. I personally don’t like paneer-based gravies because frankly its texture is not really close to any meat. However, it is easily available, quite chewy and juicy. It’s good for certain snack like dishes.

 

3. Soya

 

 

Availablity	4/5
Versatility	4/5
Meatiness	4.5/5

 

Majority of meat alternatives are Soya based. It has been consumed widely in China, Japan and Korea for centuries. Its derivatives like Soy Milk, Tofu, Tempeh etc. are widely used in vegan diets. Soya has many nutritional benefits as well. It does have a very complex and interesting history in India. (Read it here)

Somehow Indian vegetarianism hasn’t warmed up to soya traditionally. Though it should’ve made a perfect candidate owing to its nutrition and variety of uses. Although Soya Chaap (chops or kebabs) have become a popular street food in Delhi and Punjab. Soya chunks are easily available in any major town. Soya burgers are a good alternative to meat based ones and quite a few restaurants are starting to put it on their menu.

Soya is definitely more chewy and juicier than Paneer. But once you compare it to actual meat, most of the soya I have had till now feels…hollow. To use words from Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy, it tastes ‘almost entirely but not exactly’ like Chicken. Of course, it’s not fair to compare it directly…but Soya sometimes feels like a tease. It gets so close to the actual texture, that your mind starts expecting the same bite as meat but which it obviously doesn’t have. That’s the only reason it ranks a bit lower on my list. However, it is by far the best and most easily available meat alternative in India that I have had.

 

2. Mushrooms

 

 

Its very easy to cook at home and makes for the best chakna

Availablity	5/5
Versatility	5/5
Meatiness	4/5

 

Mushrooms just like Soya have this weird taboo attached to them. Traditionally since fungi were seen to grow in…filth…Mushrooms were never a part of mainstream traditional Indian cooking. Though it has been consumed by tribes and people in coastal and hilly regions for centuries. They would have to venture to out to forage them from the forest. Many traditional vegetarians either find mushrooms to be… well ‘dirty’ or too meat like and not part of plant kingdom. (Hence not vegetarian).

Mushrooms though are now grown in farms and not in muddy wastelands and are available even at your local Bhaajiwala. Mostly you’ll only find white button mushrooms readily available. However, most of India is warming up to mushrooms and you’ll certainly find varieties like Portobello or Shitake available in fine dine restaurants.

Mushrooms in my opinion have this proper umami taste and chewy texture. If used properly it can serve as substitute for both meat (A well-made mushroom biryani kicks ass) and also sea food. (A mushroom soup has that natural rich saltiness).  I have had one or two Shroom burgers and found them more interesting than the Soya ones. Perhaps because shrooms don’t taste synthetic for me. (Sorry but Soya sometimes feels like rubber). Also, Shrooms have a lot of nutrients you wont generally find in veggies like Vitamin B, Potassium, Iron, Zinc etc. Only issue I have with mushrooms is that we need more than just white button mushrooms.

Shrooms serve as the best starters (Cheese stuffed Tandoori mushrooms, Achari Mushrooms etc. are thankfully becoming a staple on most menus), surprisingly good patties and of course in biryanis and curries. Shrooms are really hard to beat in terms of versatility and its unique but meaty texture. Yet there is one meat substitute that is not only the Jack of all but also the master

 

1.      1.Jack Fruit /Fanas/ Kathal

Its Jack AND Master of all meat alternatives

 

Availablity	3/5
Versatility	3/5
Meatiness	8/5 (yes that’s an 8 out of 5)

 

Jackfruit is a bitch of a fruit to eat. Its thorny and you just can’t slice it at home but have to get it done from the vendor. Its availability is also an issue, It’s a seasonal fruit available from March to June/July. It’s a good fruit to eat, its chips also taste quite good and so does Jackfruit ice cream.

But Jack fruit is the most underused meat alternative in India. If you have ever had red meat of any kind- beef or pork- Jack fruit has the exact kind of thick juiciness to replicate that. Seriously, Jackfruit is thicker and meatier than a Kardashian sister. Raunchy jokes apart, though Jack has been used traditionally in southern India and in the coastal regions, you won’t find it on restaurant menus since it can take some effort to cook. But let me tell you, Jackfruit biryani and burger are the closest thing I have had to a pork biryani and burger. If Konkani restaurants started serving jackfruit-based curries, I could almost think of doing a vegetarian coastal trip. Its that good.

There is a now upstart company from Goa called Wakao foods which have started selling Jackfruit-based meat products like burger patties, biryani, butter Jack (their version of butter chicken) etc. You can order these online and give jackfruit a shot. The west is just discovering its versatility and its health benefits. Jack is very rich in micro nutrients like Magnesium, potassium etc. It also delivers a good amount of carbs. You would feel the same amount of ‘fullness’ after eating a jackfruit-based dish as you would after eating meat. (without the dullness I might add).

India being a tropical country is not using Jackfruit enough in our cooking in my opinion. It makes for the best curries, patties and biryani’s in my opinion…gives you the taste of red meat without any of its health risks.

 

 

So, there you have it, my personal countdown of healthy, fun meat alternatives. I would also say that instead of looking at them as just as cheap substitutes for the ‘real thing’, one should look at them as foods which carry their own unique identity. You are limited by your own imagination in the end. My wife, sister-in-law and mother have mastered the art of making even a kofta curry taste as good as chicken curry. Think of these healthy, tasty alternatives as more of tools for stretching your culinary creativity.

 

 

PS –

Honourable mentions:  In no particular order some honourable mentions of alternatives you can explore-

1)     Begun Bhaja-   A Bengali dish - Brinjal chops cooked covered in a lentil batter. It has a very interesting texture and looks a bit like fried fish.

2)     Patwadi Rassa/ Maaswadi Rassa- Patwadi are lentil dumplings and Maaswadi are stuffed lentil dumplings. While you can find Patwadi mostly in central and eastern Maharashtra, Maaswadi is a central, northern thing. They are essentially dipped in the same curry (rassa) made for mutton/ chicken. Protein rich and succulent, do give it a try as it is available in many Dhabas in Maharashtra these days. (Goes so well with Bhakri).

3)     Kofta Curry – Most Kofta Curries I have had in restaurants is a sweet dish. Its yucky, lacks texture and literally covered in cream in the name of ‘malai Kofta’. However, Kofta balls (made from Doodhi) dipped in non-veg style spicy Rassa is amazing. Also, Kofta made in rich Mughlai curry can be well made if taste is balanced properly. Only good one I have had was in Paradise restaurant in Hyderabad and it was quite amazing.

THE RECOVERING VEGETARIAN EPISODE 3 - The Party Minority

 

 Whats the weirdest thing about Indian Vegetarianism?

Just like most of Indian culture, our vegetarianism is varied and subjective but still has many shared beliefs. While many Indians won’t eat meat on certain days of the week, or certain months during the year, others like me don’t have it or cook it at home. Some vegetarians may also eat eggs. Eggs are often considered the equivalent of milk by many, in the sense that it’s an animal product that doesn’t involve actual slaughter of the animal. Veganism is rare and prevalent only in urban centres. (Because Indians will die without chai, ghee, khoya and curds. 99% of our sweets are dairy based and they are fucking GODLY).

Most Indians are vegetarians not for ethical or health reasons but for socio-religious reasons. The core beliefs of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism advocate Ahimsa and many still follow vegetarianism out of respect for their family traditions or beliefs instilled in them since childhood. Now most of you reading this, already know this...so none of this may strike you as ‘weird’ (It may to someone who isn’t Indian).

So what’s the weird part?  Try this – Tell me how many people you know who eat meat but do not drink? – Quite a large number. Muslims primarily. Many from traditionally meat eating castes or people from coastal regions eat meat but don’t drink alcohol for ethical/health reasons. A large number of meat eating Indians fall into this category. Now do the reverse- tell me people who are vegans/vegetarians but are also drinkers? – you’d be hard pressed to find one or two in your circle. Weird isn’t it? The only time I have found more than 1 person like this in a social setting were the bars in Mumbai – where the mostly Gujju Jain Seth log used to down quarters of whisky with chips or pakoda.

Seriously though Kanda bhaji is one of the most underrated chakna out there.

OF TWO EVILS

Unlike Veg v/s Non Veg or Red meat vs White meat, Alcohol V/s Veg shouldn’t even be a competition. Alcohol isn’t really a dietary choice or a cultural identity. But in India, it somehow is. I have worked in rural parts of Maharashtra and often in my experience, if non-veg food is on the menu for a house/farm party – you’ll often find majority of times that alcohol is available. (The exception obviously being Islamic households). If it’s a Veg party, then you can be 1000% guaranteed there is no alcohol arrangement.

I in fact know of quite a few people who don’t eat meat generally but will have it when drinking. It’s easy to understand why this must have happened. Hinduism and Ayurveda in particular tell you to abstain from meat as far as possible. Alcohol is obviously not recommended. So culturally speaking, both are sort of taboo. Meat being a lesser one. (Owing to certain health benefits like protein). But if you break one, you might as well break the other.

Now I am not at all supporting alcohol consumption here, to each his own. Whether to slaughter an animal and cause yourself health issues or to poison yourself slowly and cause yourself even worse health problems is entirely your choice. All I am saying is if you are a drinking vegetarian, you’ll be a bigger minority than the pure vegetarian at most parties in India. Plus if you are a recovering vegetarian like me, it would be mighty difficult because well...peer pressure.

PEER PRESSURE

Now I haven’t had a proper PARTY thanks to COVID since I started to be a recovering vegetarian a few months ago.

Yeh humara lockdown aur yeh humara Pune. Aur yaha Pawry NAHI ho rahi hai :( 

I have just had one drinking session with a friend and thankfully I controlled myself enough to only have anda bhurji during that (which is fine by my standards). My unfocused determination has not been tested fully yet. I am not sure if after 2 beers if I would casually pick up a tandoori chicken leg piece lying in front of me (Lets call that Beer Pressure). But am sure I’ll be trying my best to avoid doing so. Luckily, all my friends and family are supportive and am 31 years old so peer-pressure shouldn’t even be a thing.

Once you go Tandoori, its hard to maintain Doori...

Peer pressure isn’t like what they show in the movies. People are generally respectful of your food choices if they are fully grown adults. No one is going to taunt you with a seekh kabab by dangling it in front of your face. But for someone who has spent his life enjoying both meat and drink at parties, it feels mentally a difficult thing to adjust to. How do you adjust to changing your own image? Will you be as accepted as you were before?

For anyone who is looking to make any kind of lifestyle change- be it dietary or sexual or clothing etc- peer pressure is the biggest obstacle to overcome. It’s easy to implement your choices in private; it’s very difficult to do so in a social setting. While real friends and family will always support you in this endeavour, the real obstacle is in your mind. For someone who is mostly eager-to-please and conflict averse like me, the pressure is created more in your mind than from actual peers.

LEAP OF FAITH

Internet logic dictates that any lifestyle advice must have this kinda pic attached to it

While there is no Ram-Baan upay for this always remember to just try and do your best. I personally these 3 things to be very effective for any sustained life style change. 

1)Its a habit-  Whether it’s about being vegetarian or saying no to friends because you have to study/ work, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. You may also fail once or twice and thats fine. Dont be too hard on yourself. As a great man Father Leon once said "You must take a leap of faith. The trust part comes later". 

2) Ride the Change - Understand that just because things change, doesn’t mean that they change for the worst.  Life cannot remain the same. It will change. It best however if you are the one driving that change for your own well-being.

3)The Long Game- Lastly and most importantly, one step at a time. Don’t make any sudden drastic changes. Too big a change in too short a time is hard to adjust to for your friends and family. Also, it’s unsustainable in the long term for yourself. In my experience, making a gradual change turns it into a journey and helps you realize and discover things along the way.

 

 

THE RECOVERING VEGETARIAN - PROBLEM #2 - THE PANEER PROBLEM

 

You are on the highway somewhere in Northern Karnataka and you stop at a Dhaba for Lunch. Whats on the Vegetarian Menu –

Paneer Tikka Masala

Palak Paneer

Paneer Bhurji

Matar Paneer

Veg Jalfrezi  (Am a food lover of sorts and I have honestly never heard of any regional cuisine where that word means anything)

Dal Tadka...etc etc.

 

Now you are out with family at a typical Veg/non veg  family restaurant in Pune. You are not in the mood for non-veg nor for anything continental like Pizza, so let’s check what’s on the desi vegetarian menu for main course. Under the title of ‘Panjabi Dishes’you’ll find  –

Paneer Tikka Masala

Palak Paneer

Matar Paneer

Paneer Bhurji

Veg Jalfrezi  (Usually you have veg versions of Non-veg curries or vice versa. So if ‘Jalfrezi’ exists, why isnt there a chicken/mutton version of this?! Why has this gravy with no unique taste invaded our menus?!!)

Dal Tadka...etc etc.

 

I have lived alone and away from home for 7 years. In my travels from rural parts of Maharashtra to places like Madgao and Hyderabad, I have noticed that majority of generic  restaurants/Dhabas which serve Indian food serve the same Vegetarian menu. It’s the same 3 thick curries- brown, red or green – with Paneer in it. But since when did we as a civilization which is proud  of its diversity, sit down and decide that Paneer is something that should be on every Desi menu?!

 

You musn't be afraid to dream a li'l bigger darling

 

WHAT IS PANEER?

Well most of us do know what Paneer is. Its Cottage Cheese made from ‘breaking’ milk by adding a acidic element like Lemon. Its origins are highly debated but most accepted theories agree that it wasn’t widely consumed in ancient India. It was introduced by Mughals or Portuguese depending which theory you believe. Traditionally consumed in the northern (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi)  and eastern parts (In Bengal particularly where it is known as Chenna) Paneer has since  made its way all across India. It’s used in everything from aforementioned veg curries to snacks like pakodas, tikkas etc. Its also used widely in Bengali desserts. Rossagullas are essentially a form of Paneer.  It is often considered a good replacement for meat by most vegetarians. It is a very rich source of protein, even richer than eggs.

This is NOT the same as Chicken 

WHY IS PANEER?!

But therein lies the problem. Paneer is someone who has never had meat’s idea of what meat should taste like. It is no where even close to any meat in terms texture or taste. It has no original taste of its own.  Therefore, its perplexing yet also understandable why so many restaurants across India have Paneer based dished. It can be just chucked into any readymade color added curry. You could technically cook Potatoes in the same thick gravy and it won’t make much difference.

While it may work for many vegetarians, for recovering vegetarians like myself it’s actually a problem. I don’t have any issues with the product in itself. If you are in Punjab or Delhi by all means eat Paneer Parathas or Pakodas all you want! In fact Paneer tikkas soft cooked to perfection over a grill or in a Tandoor can be absolutely delicious. But there’s putting in effort to actually make something out of it and then there is chucking it in an unimaginative curry and pretending its special.

If you have travelled as much as I have for work or pleasure, seeing Paneer as the only ‘special’ option on a veg menu in majority of restaurants/dhaba is disheartening. I have often went in wanting to eat vegetarian but seeing the same standardized or should I say ‘Paneerized’ menu has made me go for Chicken or Egg. (Or trusty old Dal Tadka if am really not in the mood).

Think of all the options a non-veg menu has, it typically has a Chicken/mutton/sea food dish cooked in awesome local spices. Then there is the trusty Butter Chicken (which may or not be anywhere close to original Punjabi/Delhi Butter Chicken but still good) or Mughlai options like Murg Mussalam etc. Even the non-veg starters have so many options from Desi Chinese ones like Chicken 65 to Mughlai ones like Seekh Kabab, Galouti Kabab to continental ones like chicken fry etc.

All you have on the veg menu (other than usual Aloo Jeera or Dal tadka), are the options I stated above. Even the starters are just Paneer chilly, Paneer Tikka etc. It’s frankly sad to see the lack of imagination when it comes to vegetarian options especially when culturally and historically there is so much variety available.

 

 

 

PANNERIZATION – A BIGGER PROBLEM

Also, it’s not just a matter of individual tastes. If you like Paneer, well enjoy it by all means. But this blatant Paneerization  of our veg menus is a even bigger problem.Even the non- Paneer dishes are the same - Veg Kadhai, Veg Hyderabadi, Aloo Jeera etc.  The same old dishes with the same generic thick curry and color.  Paneerization is killing veg food variety in my opinion. For example if you are a vegetarian and go to Goa, you would be lucky if you encounter traditional Konkani veg dishes like Sorak, Khatkhatem, Moongachi Gathi etc on a restaurant menu. Its either awesome Goan meat/sea food based dishes like Rechado, Cafreal, Xacuti etc or the usual Paneerized menu. 

Even if you are a meat eater, wouldn’t you at least love to try a Konkani Jackfruit Curry if it was promoted on the menu? How about Patwadi Rassa (lentil dumplings in a spicy curry) when in Marathawada or Vidharbha?  Or how about Kofta in a spicy curry?! Or Full Onam Sadhya spread when in Kerala ?

I am not trying to blame the restaurants. They only provide what is demanded. But demand/supply is a tricky thing.  The only northern state which has retained its traditional veg originality is Rajasthan in my experience. In majority of restaurants, you ll find awesome local options like Gatte ka Saag or the popular Daal baati...maybe even rare ones like Ker Sangri ki sabzi. That’s the reason why I enjoy being a complete Vegetarian whenever I have travelled to Rajasthan. (other than the awesome chaat and desserts of course).  This is mainly because Rajasthani people have great pride in their food and have taken efforts to preserve it. Same can be said of Gujarati food to some extent.   

I get that these days even many southern states especially the big cities and tourist centers have to cater to general tastes. But it’s the restaurants supplying the same taste and us not finding any other veggie options is what has defined this ‘general’ taste. If we demanded differently, the results would be different.

 

So much variety and no Paneer in sight!

BEYOND PANEER

However, the scenario is changing. Lately especially in Maharashtra I have seen a lot of places –either fine dine or Dhaba like- have specialized traditional Marathi dishes like (MISAL IS NOT A FUCKING TRADITIONAL DISH OKAY?! ) Pithla Bhakri, Akkha Masoor, Maaswadi rassa, Vangyacha Bharit, Shevga fry etc. There have always been Thali-style restaurants which offer this. But it’s good to see the popular trend catching on with just general desi restaurants as well.

My issue with the Paneerization is that it reaffirms the belief that veg food is ‘boring’ and ‘the same’...When in fact if you choose even one district of any part of this country, it has enough veg variety to last a lifetime. Even if you are looking for a innovative meat and protein substitute there are so many other creative options to explore like Soya, Jackfruit etc etc. (which we will explore next time). So, the next time you are a vegetarian or just a food explorer travelling outside, take the effort and eat local desi. Don’t be lazy. Veg food is more than Paneer Tikka Masala and naan.

 

THE RECOVERING VEGETARIAN: PROBLEM #1 - ROTI SABZI

 

India is the best country to be a vegetarian. Almost 30-40% of the country is purely vegetarian, depending on what survey you read. Its almost 80% vegetarian during Diwali or Mahashivratri (thats a statistic I just made up). We are the least meat consuming country in the world. Even the most meat –eating Indian is more vegetarian than the average American.  Indians have mastered the art of taking any vegetable or grain and making it seductively tasty with magical spices for thousands of years. (unlike the bland mashed potatoes or greens of western culture).

For that very reason, India is the WORST country to be a recovering vegetarian. I mean its easy to give up KFC or maybe even burgers...but Biryani? Pork Vindaloo? Mutton Rassa? Once you have tasted these its just too hard to let go. However, even if you did muster the will to deal with that and found other alternatives like Paneer, Jackfruit, Soya and Mushroom to taste those magical spices, there are still heaps of problems. Lets start with the first. The real reason why any one from a vegetarian family starts consuming meat or wishes he could is Roti Sabzi.

Surprised? Well Roti Sabzi, Poli Bhaaji call it whatever you want in your local language. Even if you eat it with rice, the Sabzi/Bhaaji is single-handedly responsible for increasing meat consumption in India.  This is not just me making up statistics but ask yourself..you know this to be true. Its the bhaajis like Tinde (Indian Round gourd), Karela (Bitter Gourd), Doodhi (Bottle Gourd), Tondli (Ivy gourd) that really not even any staunch purely vegetarian I know loves.  The bland/bitter tastes of any most of these veggies cant be helped even by the magic of Indian spices or a mothers love. What does it say about these particular vegetable preparations that many would prefer actually slaughtering an animal compared to this. While taste is a subjective matter and am sure that just like there is a minority of cannibal tribes somewhere in the Amazon, there are people who like these veggies. But am hinting at a bigger problem here.

A LACK OF IMAGINATION

Imagine if someone took away your mobile phone now and gave you a directory and a landline to use. You would rightfully be pissed off. There may have been a time when many from the older generation tolerated or been forced into enjoying many of these bland veggies- but the new generation – either veg or non-veg- has tasted much better stuff. You can say we are spoilt to some extent but there’s definitely no going back. Forget about meat options, but wouldnt you prefer eating a fresh salad consisting of cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, crushed paneer and chat masala than Tinde ki Sabzi and Roti? Or how about just a fruit plate instead of eating Karela?

I am aware that eating your veggies is a good thing and many of these veggies have nutritional traits. However, creative ways must be found to incorporate them if we wish for future generations to eat more Indian veggies. Why not make koftas out of Doodhi rather than a sabzi? Make a mix stew of some of these veggies with Malabar flavours? Try and make it into a tasty paratha? A healthy vegetable dalia? Delicious Pakodas?

Another major problem with all Indian Veggies is not only the lack of nutrition in them. But we often tend to overcook these veggies wherein they lose whatever little nutrition they had. Ayurvedic and Yogic diets often recommend consuming 30-40% raw freshly cut seasonal fruits and vegetables in our meals. While not all vegetables are suitable for raw consumption, options like smoking, light grilling with a coat of spices etc is a good way to incorporate more veggies in your diet.

Tell me you prefer oil covered Doodhi to these beauties

Fine-dine and modern cooking has progressed so far that exploring different textures of the same vegetables can be made into tasty exciting dishes without compromising on nutrition. I do understand hectic life compulsions that force our mothers, wives or anyone who cooks your daily meal to make the easiest possible choices. I am not saying that one should be making mediterranean salads with desi sabzis, but there can be more creative solutions especially in this day and age when ordering in is such a tempting option.

So if you are a recovering vegetarian or want to reduce your meat consumption, start exploring regional Indian flavours. Am sure in your region, heck even in your family itself you can find multiple ways to cook and enjoy delicious vegetarian meals. Start exploring creative ways to use locally available vegetables and grains. Remember every state and culture has hundreds of vegetarian cuisine options. The real fun begins once you think of being a vegetarian as something beyond Daal Chawal and Roti Sabzi.

(I have to make an honorary mention of all the daals (lentils), millets, legumes, pulses and grams here for helping me and all other vegetarian stay vegetarian in the face of deadly villains like Tinde, Tondli etc.)

THE RECOVERING VEGETARIAN: ORIGIN STORY

 

THE EID EXPERIMENT

Date: 12^th May 2021

The Occasion – Ramzan Eid

The Menu – Masoor Biryani, Mushroom Biryani, Hara Bhara Kebab and Shahi tukda for dessert.

The Result- I, Ambarish Deshpande, celebrated a wholly vegetarian Eid. And loved it!

I didn’t accidentally fall into a vat of chemicals that drove me to this. Neither did I volunteer for some super-secret government program. I was not bitten by a radio active vegan and definitely didn’t suddenly develop any mutant powers in my 30's. 

If you are one of my friends or even remotely know me, you are seriously doubting either the fact that I had a fully veggie Eid lunch and loved it or you definitely believe I am going crazy. If you don’t know me, let me tell you a bit about myself- I belong to family which is traditionally purely vegetarian i.e. unlike for example most Bengalis – our family does not have any tradition of cooking/eating non-vegetarian food. The first ones to even eat eggs in my family would be my father’s / uncle’s generation. So am a second-generation meat eater. Not just a meat eater. I am a meat lover. 

I almost ended up marrying her. 

I Love Chicken Tandoori! Love Mutton Biryani! Love Shark Ambot Tik! LOOOOOOOVE Mutton Rassa!! I have travelled hundreds of kilometers to get a chance to eat wild boar. I have waited in line for hours to eat the perfect Konkani crab curry. I have always jokingly said that except human beings or beef (only because I wanted to retain some sign of being a Hindu), I could eat anything that moves. How am I of all people thinking of giving up meat?

So what was it? A visit to a slaughter house? Finally saw chickens being slaughtered and realized the cruelty? No, not quite. I have always believed that if I couldn’t handle to see animals being killed for my taste buds then I didn’t deserve to eat them. See the problem with many meat eaters is, if they actually see the slaughter, they may never even look at meat again. I did not want to become that kind of hypocrite. Whenever I have had the chance to visit a slaughter house or meat market, I actively made it a point to see them slaughter the animal. Without remorse or glee. It wasn’t just to make me feel comfortable, but I realized the moment I couldn’t handle the violence, I would quit it.  I do love animals in general. I love cats, dogs, birds and all wild animals. Their mere presence is not just a soothing experience for me but makes me realize am part of something bigger.

Was it a heart attack? NO! Thank God! NO! I have been detected with diabetes around 4  years ago. Came more of a shock to people around me than to myself. My maternal side carries this genetic heritage.  I was only surprised it came to me so early. But still other than containing the need to have Ice cream for dinner (Yes, I have done that several times in the past), I never thought of reducing/giving up meat consumption because of that. However, I did realize that maybe it could help reduce heart risk and keep my weight in control.

Was it a love for the planet then? Meat farming is not just cruel to animals being slaughtered but a waste of water and land. The same amount of water and land used for meat farming could be used to feed 10 times more people. Even though I am a ‘turn off the fan in every room when no one’s using it’ kinda guy, I am very practical when it comes to economics of food. I do realize that if in a sudden utopian scenario every one turns Veggie than thousands of people could lose their meat industry related jobs. Barren land used for poultry and cattle grazing will still be useless for farming. People living in the coast-lines or in extremely snowy climates have no sustainable natural access to food than meat sometimes. So I think of myself as part of that economy. I do believe that if I could manage it, I may be could reduce my meat consumption for the planet’s sake.

So, what’s my comic book Veggie rebirth origin story?….aha! Ladki ka chakkar?! Did my wife goad me into it? Because believe me women have more power than secret chemical formula or mind control devices to get men into doing things. Most girls have financial or personality requirements on matrimonial sites. One of my wife’s major requirements was – “Looking for a boy who loves non-vegetarian”.  Let me also clarify that my wife comes from a traditional vegetarian family and is a second-generation meat eater just like me. Often times when we used to go out, sometimes I would be the one to suggest exploring some kind of veg options while she would be stubborn on eating non-veg. Out of certain health compulsions and out of her deep love for animals, my wife decided to completely give up meat a few months ago. She’s been more successful at it than me.

If I had to pin down my ‘why’, I couldn’t pin it down to a single incident or a thought process. I have never been a committed health freak or a overtly emotional animal lover. However, I have always been an explorer. I have always known I just love food in general and I love exploring it. If am out with my Jain friends - I enjoy the best Jain food (yes, without Onion or Garlic), if am out with my Christian friends – I have enjoyed eating Pork sausages, if am out with my Muslim friends- I often know the best places to enjoy a Ramzan platter.

One can live without chicken but not without chaat

You can create buildings with a blue print but not behaviors. Neither can they change with just a spark. Everything just comes together for you to make that happen slowly. So, yes it was my increasing awareness of my health. I didn’t want to wait till my arteries clogged up to give up meat. I didn’t want my love for animals to be restricted just to cats, cows and dogs. If I could save the planet a bit by just changing what I eat- that’s the best thing ever. Also, its honestly much easier doing this if you have your wife as company.

But more-over, it’s the excitement of discovering new options, exploring new flavours that has me enjoying being a Recovering Vegetarian. If it wouldn’t have been for my exploring tendencies, I would never have ordered Masoor Biryani and enjoyed it. Being a Recovering Vegetarian allows me to explore things like Jackfruit Biryani or Soya Chaap and much much more. Also, I don’t think I can give up eggs or fish or the occasional piece of chicken just yet. However, I can try and reduce my meat consumption may be someday give it up. Being a vegetarian is perhaps easy, being a Recovering Vegetarian in India comes with its share of problems. We will explore them bit by bit. I know the journey isn’t going to be eggless cakewalk, but I am sure going to have fun along the way. Join me.