Embracing a vegan lifestyle doesn't mean compromising on taste or giving up your favourite Indian dishes. With the right knowledge and a few clever swaps, you can enjoy all the flavours and textures of traditional Indian cuisine while keeping it completely plant-based. Let us explore some valuable tips, tricks, and examples of vegan swaps in Indian cooking that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your conscience clear.
Replacing Dairy:
Dairy products play a significant role in Indian cooking, but they can easily be replaced with plant-based alternatives. Here are some swaps to consider:
Milk: Swap regular milk with almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. These alternatives work well in curries, beverages, and desserts.
Yoghurt: Opt for coconut milk yoghurt, soy yoghurt, or almond milk yoghurt as a substitute. They work perfectly in raita, marinades, and as a topping for parathas.
Paneer (Indian cottage cheese): Replace paneer with tofu, tempeh, or homemade vegan cheese. These alternatives can be marinated and used in various curries and tikka dishes.
Egg Substitutes:
Eggs are commonly used in Indian cuisine for binding, leavening, and adding moisture. Thankfully, there are several vegan alternatives to eggs that work beautifully:
Chickpea flour (besan): Create a batter by mixing chickpea flour with water, and use it as an egg replacement in recipes such as pakoras, omelettes, and pancakes.
Silken tofu: Blend silken tofu to achieve a smooth consistency, and use it as an egg substitute in baking recipes like cakes, muffins, and custards.
Flaxseed or chia seeds: Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like, and use it as an egg replacement in baked goods.
Meat Substitutes:
Indian cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful meat-based dishes, but you can still enjoy those flavours without using animal products. Consider this plant-based meat alternatives:
Seitan: Made from wheat gluten, seitan has a meaty texture and can be used in recipes like kebabs, curries, and biryanis.
Soy-based products: Soy chunks, soy granules, and textured vegetable protein (TVP) are excellent alternatives for meat. They absorb flavours well and can be used in dishes like soy tikka masala, soy biryani, and soy keema.
Jackfruit: When cooked, young jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled meat. It works wonders in dishes like jackfruit biryani, jackfruit curry, and jackfruit kebabs.
Butter and Ghee Substitutes:
Vegan Butter: Use vegan butter made from plant-based oils instead of dairy butter. It works well for sautéing, baking, and spreading on bread.
Coconut Oil: Substitute coconut oil for ghee (clarified butter) in recipes. It adds a rich flavour and works perfectly in dishes like dal and curries.
Cheese Substitutes:
Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkle nutritional yeast on dishes like pasta, pizza, and casseroles to add a cheesy flavour.
Vegan Cheese: Explore a variety of vegan cheese options made from nuts, such as cashew cheese or almond cheese, which can be used in dishes like pizzas, sandwiches, and quesadillas.
Cream Substitutes:
Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in curries, soups, and desserts. It adds a creamy texture and enhances the flavours.
Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth to create a creamy substitute for dairy cream. It works well in curries, sauces, and desserts.
Honey Substitute:
Maple Syrup: Replace honey with maple syrup as a sweetener in dishes like desserts, dressings, and beverages.
Fish Sauce Substitute:
Soy Sauce: Use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for fish sauce in recipes like stir-fries and dipping sauces. Look for vegan versions without any added animal products.
Remember to check the ingredient labels of store-bought alternatives to ensure they are vegan-friendly and free from any animal-derived ingredients.
Going vegan in Indian cooking is easier than you might think. By making smart swaps and utilizing plant-based alternatives, you can recreate the flavours and textures of your favourite Indian dishes while enjoying a cruelty-free and sustainable lifestyle. Experiment with different ingredients, get creative with spices and don't be afraid to try new recipes. With the tips and tricks provided in this ultimate plant-based alternatives handbook, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the vibrant and delicious world of vegan Indian cuisine.