11 Healthy South Asian vegetarian recipes

11 of the Best Healthy South Asian vegetarian recipes for dinner (or lunch!) that make for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Jump to:

• What is South Asia?
• Typical Ingredients in the cuisine
• Tips
• FAQ
• Pickles
• Curries
• Rice

What is South Asia?

South Asia is a group of countries located in- you guessed it!- the South of the Asian continent, consisting of: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The land area of these countries is actually bigger than the EU and contains 1.75 billion people.

South Asians have a long history of eating lots of vegetables so there are many naturally vegan or vegetarian South Asian dishes- these are usually eaten with breads such as naan, chapatti and paratha. (Due to religious reasons, some South Asians (usually Hindus) don't eat beef whilst others (usually Muslims) don't eat pork.)

A typical South Asian meal can consist of many little dishes such as dal and chutney- click here for recipes of some common Indian side dishes or here if you're looking for South East Asian vegetarian recipes.

Typical Ingredients in the cuisine

1. South Asian food is well-seasoned with lots of spices such as chili, curry leaves, turmeric, cloves etc, making it super delicious!
2. Lentils are also a very common ingredient in South Asian cooking- think dal/ Dahl/ daal and fritters.
   • If you need an Indian dipping sauce for fritters, click here.
3. Dairy products such as ghee and curds

Tips

1. South Asians traditionally eat with their hands (eating is considered a very sensual and sensory experience) but please remember to only use your right, and never your left!
2. In South Asia, Sri Lanka and countries such as Singapore which have a large Indian population, it is common to see food served on banana plates (very fragrant and great for the environment!) After eating, do remember to fold the leaf towards yourself- folding it outwards is reserved for funerals!

FAQ

Pickles

Curries

Lentils & Butternut squash Curry

Black Eye Peas Curry

Aloo Matar

Aloo Gobi

Moong bean curry

Sweet potato curry

Vindaloo

Rice

Curry fried rice

Lemon rice

Tomato rice

What are your favourite healthy South Asian vegetarian recipes? Let me know in the comments and, if you've found this recipe round-up useful, do share it on your social media!