The explosion of vegetarian cuisine
- ba'oyen
- Sep 24, 2023
- 9 min read
Simply dishes made from tofu, green vegetables, nuts, mushrooms, etc. But why has vegetarian food become the hottest culinary trend today?
Due to human development needs in the field of food, vegetarian dishes today are no longer as difficult to eat as before. The diversity in ingredients and how to prepare dishes has turned vegetarian cuisine richer, more beautiful, and no less delicious. And the recent trend is that people, including young people, are moving towards a more plant-based diet. Therefore, the development of vegetarian cuisine has become stronger and stronger.
These plant-based vegan treats are ready to make your taste buds explode. Photo: Pinterest
It is a mistake to think that being vegetarian is suffering. Countries are filled with world-famous vegetarian dishes full of flavor to satisfy every craving, even without animal ingredients. Have you tried the Indian Chana Masala chickpea soup or are you interested in the delightful crunch of Italy's famous fried artichokes? These plant-based vegan treats are ready to make your taste buds explode.
World-famous vegetarian dishes you must try
Chana Masala - Indian
Chana masala is a famous and popular dish in Indian cuisine. This is a vegetarian dish, made from condensed beans and a variety of spices, creating a special and rich flavor.
Chana masala originates from Northern India, but today has become a popular dish nationwide and is popular around the world. This dish is often an important part of lunch or dinner and is often eaten with bread or rice.
The main ingredient of chana masala is condensed beans, also known as curry beans, cooked with spices such as black pepper, chili, anise, curry, salt, tomatoes, and other spices such as ginger, garlic, onions, chestnuts, etc. This dish is slightly sour, mildly spicy, and has a characteristic aroma from spices.
Chana masala is often prepared simply and quickly. Concentrated beans are boiled and then mixed with previously steamed spices. After that, the dish is added with a few other spices such as coriander seeds, green onions, and lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
Chana masala is best enjoyed while it is still hot, so it is often used immediately after preparation. This dish can be eaten with bread, rice, or shrimp chips. If you want more flavor, you can add a little coconut milk or cream to the dish. Chana masala is also suitable to eat with raw vegetables or chutney.
With its unique and nutty flavor, chana masala is a delightful Indian dish to enjoy. If you are a lover of Indian cuisine or want to explore something new, try cooking chana masala and enjoy the unique flavors from India's diverse culinary culture.
The Joy of Buddha – China
The Buddha's Dharma talks taught us about compassion, kindness, and love for all living beings. Carrying out these teachings, a culinary style was developed - the Vegetarian Joy of Buddha - which is an integral part of Chinese culture and cuisine.
Joyful vegetarian food is not just a dish, but a mental state of non-harm and compassion. Vegetarian Joy usually does not contain any animal ingredients and is often made from vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and other vegetarian foods.
With simple and sophisticated cooking methods, vegetarian joy can bring unique culinary experiences. Vegetarian dishes are often prepared by cleaning and chopping vegetables to create beautiful decorative dishes. Layers of natural and rich spices from vegetarian sauces and spices such as vegetarian fish sauce, garlic fish sauce, soy sauce, and fruit fish sauce create diversity and unique flavor for the dish.
Popular in vegetarian homes and monasteries, the vegetarian joy dish not only brings wonderful culinary experiences but also unites the community and creates solidarity between people. Vegetarian meals are often shared and offered during holidays, in which people come together to create an atmosphere of love and peace.
The vegetarian dish of joy also carries with it the meaning of worshiping and admiring Buddha. By practicing fasting, we not only recreate the compassion and non-harming taught by the Buddha but also show deep respect for all sentient beings.
Therefore, the vegetarian dish of Buddha's joy - China not only brings a delicious meal and a peaceful spirit but is also a way to express happiness and compassion in daily life.
Mayak Gimbap rice roll - Korea
Mayak Gimbap is a traditional Korean dish, made from white sticky rice rolled with raw vegetables and mushrooms, creating a simple but attractive dish.
Mayak Gimbap has existed since the Joseon period, the ancient dynastic period of Korea. "Mayak" means drug, and the name comes from the fact that this dish is often served with a special sauce, creating a drug-like "addiction" feeling. Gimbap contains a variety of vegetables and salt to help create a rich and enjoyable flavor.
To make the vegetarian dish Mayak Gimbap, people use white sticky rice but prepare it quite specially. The rice is lightly seasoned with spices such as sesame oil, cashew oil, salt, and cane sugar. Then, the rice is rolled on a small round bamboo table, first with a leaf of seaweed, then with raw vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, green vegetables, and mushrooms. Some commonly used mushrooms include Shiitake mushrooms, cat mushrooms, and abalone mushrooms. Finally, the dish is rolled and cut into small slices to eat.
Mayak Gimbap is often eaten with fish sauce, chicken thighs, or salty sauce. This dish has a sweet taste, a little spicy, and a cool flavor from raw vegetables. Gimbap is often eaten as a light breakfast or a snack during the day, and it is also a popular dish at traditional parties or drinking parties.
Mayak Gimbap is not only simply an attractive vegetarian dish but also contains a large amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables and salt. At the same time, white sticky rice also provides abundant energy.
With a unique flavor and simple preparation, the Mayak Gimbap vegetarian rice roll is the perfect combination of traditional flavors and modern tastes, bringing a special culinary experience to anyone who enjoys it.
Gado Gado – Indonesia
Gado Gado is a famous traditional Indonesian vegetarian dish. The name "Gado Gado" means "mix" in Indonesian, reflecting the unique way of preparing this dish.
Gado Gado is a mix of raw vegetables such as bean sprouts, water spinach, cabbage, and spinach, along with tofu, potatoes, and boiled eggs. This dish is often served with a rich sauce made from roasted peanuts, sugar, garlic, tamarind, sesame oil, and some other spices. This sauce creates a unique flavor and is an important highlight of Gado Gado.
Gado can be eaten as a main dish or as a side dish. Some Indonesians even put Gado Gado on their list of favorite vegetarian dishes even though they are not Buddhists.
Gado vegetarian dish provides a variety of fresh vegetables, rich in fiber and nutrients, and is a very healthy dish. Besides, the rich sauce combined with spices creates a unique and attractive flavor.
As a familiar and popular dish in Indonesian cuisine, Gado Gado not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings satisfaction to diners. A bowl of Gado Gado is not only delicious but also full of nutrition, a perfect choice for those who love vegetarian cuisine or are on a low-meat diet.
Gazpacho - Tây Ban Nha
Gazpacho is a traditional and popular Spanish vegetarian dish. This is a cool soup, originating from the southern region of Spain, especially Andalusia. Gazpacho is a very popular dish in the summer when the weather is hot.
Gazpacho is a typical soup whose main ingredients are tomatoes, olive oil, cucumbers, pepper, and garlic. These ingredients are pureed and mixed with water, forming a smooth and cool mixture. This vegetarian dish is also often added with spices such as vinegar, salt, and spiciness according to each person's taste.
Gazpacho has a mild, refreshing sour taste and the natural flavor of the main ingredients. This dish can be enjoyed immediately after completion or can be kept in the refrigerator to cool for a long time. In addition, many people often create "garnish" by adding chili peppers, onions, cucumbers, or celery on top of the soup to add flavor and aesthetics to the soup bowl.
Gazpacho is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Tomatoes contain large amounts of antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Cucumbers also provide a lot of water and vitamin K. The olive oil in Gazpacho contains many antioxidants and is beneficial for the heart.
Gazpacho is not only a traditional vegetarian dish but also a cultural and culinary symbol of Spain. With its natural sourness, coolness, and fresh flavor, Gazpacho has become a favorite dish by many people around the world. Especially, on hot days, Gazpacho is a perfect choice to refresh the body and drink to quench thirst.
Fried artichoke flowers – Italy
Fried artichoke flowers, also known as "Fiori di Carciofo Fritti", is a traditional Italian vegetarian dish. This dish is made from fresh artichoke flowers, breaded and deep fried, creating a wonderful combination between the cool sour taste from the artichoke and the crispy taste from the outer layer of dough.
Artichoke is a plant with a unique shape, with hard outer leaves and flowers on the inside. However, only part of the artichoke's inflorescences can be used to prepare dishes. Artichoke flowers are chosen when they first bloom when the outer leaf layer is still firm and shows no signs of wilting.
To prepare fried artichoke flowers, the artichoke flowers will be cleaned and the hard and thorny inner leaves will be cut off, leaving only the soft flowers and thin outer leaves. After that, the artichoke flowers will be soaked in lemon juice to prevent them from yellowing during processing.
Once the artichoke flowers have been prepared, they are seasoned with salt, pepper, and minced garlic to add flavor. Next, the artichoke flowers will be dipped in a mixture of fine flour and tapioca starch, creating a crispy coating when fried.
The final step is to fry the artichoke flowers at a high temperature until the outermost layer of dough is golden brown. When the artichoke flowers have ripened and become bright yellow, they will be picked out and drained of oil.
Fried artichoke flowers vegetarian dish has a crispy taste, blended with the soft scent of artichoke flowers. It can be used as an appetizer or a snack during a vegetarian meal. Often eaten with soy sauce or coconut milk to balance the sour taste of artichoke.
If you visit Italy, don't forget to try the vegetarian dish Fried Artichoke Flowers and enjoy its wonderful taste.
Dal Bhat – Nepal
Dal Bhat is a traditional vegetarian dish of Nepal, considered the main daily meal of many families here. This dish includes two main ingredients: dal (bean soup) and bhat (rice).
Dal is a bean soup prepared from beans and a variety of seasonings such as onions, garlic, chili, and other spices. After being steamed, the beans are mashed or pureed to form a thick and delicious soup. The combination of spices creates a unique and appealing flavor. Dal is often eaten with rice and chutneys (sauces) to add flavor.
Bhat is white rice. Rice is usually cooked Nepali style, using the right amount of water to create soft and attractive rice. Rice is often the main ingredient of meals in Nepal and is eaten on the daily menu.
Dal Bhat is often eaten with some additional dishes such as chili sauce, raw vegetables, and salted fish... to create a complete and balanced meal. This vegetarian dish is not only delicious but also nutritious and rich in fiber from beans. With the sweetness of dal and the silky taste of bhat, Dal Bhat has become a popular and iconic dish typical of Nepali cuisine.
In addition to its popularity among families, Dal Bhat is also one of the main dishes in traditional festivals and ceremonies in Nepal. This vegetarian dish not only serves as a part of food but also symbolizes solidarity and warmth in the family and community.
Dal Bhat - a simple but frugal vegetarian dish rich in cultural significance, has become an indispensable symbol of Nepali cuisine and is loved by many people.
Ajapsandali – Georgia
Ajapsandali is a traditional Georgian vegetarian dish, famous for its delicious taste and variety of ingredients. This dish is often made from vegetables and Georgian specialty foods.
To make Ajapsandali, people often use ingredients such as tomatoes, black tomatoes, green tomatoes, chili peppers, purple onions, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, spices, and olive oil. Liu. This dish can also be supplemented with fruit such as broccoli, mushrooms, or avocado for added richness.
Ingredients will be prepared by cutting into thin or small slices, then heated in a pot with olive oil. The vegetables will be mixed together and cooked evenly with the natural sweetness of tomatoes and spices.
After the food is cooked, Ajapsandali is enjoyed warm. This dish is often served as a main dish or as a side with bread, lavash bread, or pita bread. Ajapsandali can also be used as a snack, decorated on the party table, or combined with other vegetarian dishes.
Ajapsandali is not only delicious but also very nutritious. This is a dish rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables. It is also great for those who are vegetarian or want to enjoy a delicious vegetable dish.
Ajapsandali represents Georgia's local style of cuisine, with its distinctive flavors and colors. This dish is not only attractive in taste but also gives diners a unique cultural and culinary experience.
The article was compiled by @baoyen
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