As we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, Award-winning Dietitian Azmina Govindji, author of Vegan Savvy: the Expert's Guide to a Plant-based Diet spoke to Asian Voice about South Asian cuisine, its transformation, evolution and its effortless infusion into veganism.
How has South Asian cuisine transformed in the past few decades? Has the concept of fusion led to the loss of the original taste and flavours?
We, primarily, have to recognise that the term South Asians is often used as a "catch-all'', but there is diversity in practices amongst different religious groups and communities from the same religious group, and even within families. Those who still live within an extended family setting may be more likely to have maintained their traditional meal practices. Second-generation immigrants may prefer a fusion meal pattern, while those with young children may want to provide more bland foods like pasta.
In my opinion, where parents or grandparents are part of family life, there will be a continuation of original tastes, flavours and cooking methods.
How, according to you, is South Asian cuisine bound toevolve?
I believe many people still have a desire to go back to their roots and learn to cook dishes our mums and grandmothers used to feed us. The more elaborate dishes where potatoes, onions, and other ingredients are fried separately before being added to the cooking pot. This process will probably die away. I can't imagine we will create and fry our own samosas and bhajias/pakoras or make rich sweet mithai when it's so easy to buy delicious ones from Asian stores. But the staples like dhal, various curries, and pilau rice have a lot of life in them yet!
What are some of the go-to South Asian cuisines that are effortlessly plant-based and can be easily adapted by those beginning their journey as a vegan?
Here are some great options: whole grains, beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
If you already enjoy foods like vegetables, dhal, and beans, it's even easier to make this dietary change. Plant-based foods have lots of benefits for your long-term health. You can try Channa Masala with Brown Rice, Dal with Roti, Palak Paneer and Vegetable Sambar with Idli along with Mushroom and Pea Curry and Baingan Bharta.
Remember, there are countless plant-based options in Indian cuisine, and these are just a few examples. By incorporating more whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits into your meals, you can create a healthy and diverse plant-based diet.
