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Indian Food You Should Try if You Are a Vegan

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Looking to go vegan but still want to savour some of the best of Indian cuisines?

There’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that most of the Indian delicacies extensively use ghee, butter, and other milk products. The good news is that there are still many scrumptious vegan Indian dishes that you can enjoy. This piece is especially for you, vegans! So, shall we?

Dosa

Oh, if you know Indian food, then you’d know that Dosa is just ‘Pure Love’. This popular Indian food has its roots in the Southern part of India and is basically a delicious pancake. It uses no dairy product and is prepared from fermented batter of rice and lentil. It is stuffed with a mixture of potatoes, green peas, spices, chillies, onions, and more.

Samosa

Indians love their samosas. The overwhelming range of varieties just adds to their obsession with this delicacy. It has a crisp outer covering made of flour and has a rich stuffing which is essentially a mixture of potato, spices, and other vegetables. Also, it has an iconic pyramid shape that gives it a distinctive look.

Pakora

Pakoras are just addictive. This is a deep-fried snack that is prepared, sold and consumed all over India. You can literally find people selling pakoras at every corner of any city you visit in India. It is made of vegetables covered with flour. You can get potato pakoras, onion pakoras, cauliflower pakoras, and more. There are paneer pakoras as well which are, of course, not vegan. Pakoras can be consumed with chutney made of coriander. People love to eat pakoras and chutney with chai in the morning and evening. Some even call it the perfect snack!

Upma

We had to include this to make sure you have a perfect vegan breakfast as well. Upma is essentially a thick porridge made of flour and vegetables and mixed with different spices. It has onions, carrots, green peas and more. It is highly nutritious and can be a perfect option for a heavy breakfast.

Medu Vada

This South Indian snack is prepared by deep frying a batter of rice and lentils and shaping it in the form of a doughnut. It is crispy from the outside and soft from the inside. The batter has all kinds of spices and ginger and chillies and is always made the vegan way.

Bhel Puri

India is popular for its wide range of snacks and Bhel Puri is the king of them all. It is one of India’s favourite street snacks and has a tasty mixture of vegetables, spices, and puffed rice. People love it when it is topped with yogurt. But, you can skip that if you want.

Over to You

Did you like this piece of content? Why don’t you come down to our Indian restaurant in Duncan, BC and taste some of our vegan dishes? We are Aastha Devotional Indian Restaurant. We love Indian food and are here to spread happiness, the Indian way.

We would love to welcome you at our restaurant, here’s how you can contact us to make a reservation.

Factors to consider when choosing a restaurant?

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Eating out is a social way that we associate with our friends and families. Regardless of whether we’re gathering with family members, meeting new individuals, dating, or catching up with your old friends, dining at the Aastha Devotional Indian restaurant in Duncan BC is a decent method to spend great time together. Choosing an Indian food restaurant is a great idea as Indian food includes perhaps the most dazzling array of fresh vegetables and fruit cooked in a multitude of ways that help retain their freshness and nutrients. There is different variety and array of Indian food. The spices that are used in Indian food makes them more delicious and different from other cuisines in the world.

In this way, choosing the correct Indian food restaurant is one of the significant things to consider in case that you need to have a decent meal and gain valuable experiences.

The following factors can assist you with making an ideal decision while choosing an Indian restaurant in Duncan BC.

Location

Pick an Indian food restaurant that is near to your house and simple to go. Consider the distance from the bus stop, the parking, and pick the spot which is convenient for you. It is an alternate issue when the location of the restaurant is a riverside or a wide garden. At the point when that occurs, you can simply pick according to your preferences.

Décor

A large portion of the Indian restaurant in Duncan BC are decorated beautifully, however will the decoration coordinate with your favored style? Is the restaurant suitable for holding a dinner event?  The restaurant atmosphere matters a lot depending on the type of dining that you plan to enjoy in the Indian food restaurant.

For example, if you’re going for a romantic dinner, the decoration should be done properly, dim lights and red color should be the main things. Check whether the eatery plays music and if yes, then how loudly they play the music.

In case that you need to spend time and talk with your companion happily during your dinner, choosing an eatery that plays soft music. You can go to Aastha Devotional Indian restaurant with your friends and family to make some incredible memories. You can contact us to make a reservation.

Menu

The menu of an Indian food restaurant is likewise significant. Numerous individuals choose the restaurant depending on what specific taste and cuisine they need to attempt. You should pick the restaurant that can completely serve fresh food and great taste. When you try food at a new place you must know what kind of menu they are offering. In the event that you are going with a gathering of friends, think of some place where everyone can order what they like.

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Hygiene

Hygiene standards matter in choosing an ideal dining spot. Whenever we go to someone’s house we notice little things like the dining area where we are going to enjoy yummy food should be neat and clean. The same goes for restaurants, the kitchen where the food are prepared and the whole dining area ought to be clean. The food
critics recommend checking out the washroom first on the off chance that you need to know how clean the Aastha Devotional Indian restaurant in Duncan BC is. The majority of the eateries which have kept their washrooms hygienic are bound to set up their cooking in a neat and clean area. In this manner, make sure to go utilize the washroom first before you begin to arrange.

Service

In case that you happen to eat at some spot that doesn’t have any idea what a decent service means, you will be unhappy and it isn’t worth to pay for. To stay away from this, you ought to wisely pick Aastha Devotional Indian restaurant in Duncan BC where you can get extraordinary service from well disposed waiters and have a wonderful dining experience. Here’s how you can review us on Google.

Cost

This indicator can be considered as the most significant criteria in choosing a restaurant. You should check your budget and search for a suitable one to dine at. You ought to pick a correct one that will give you value for your money. A decent spot that gives a decent quality taste, incredible service and pleasant decoration will certainly make you feel happy about paying. However, you won’t be fulfilled for what you get with regards to some fancy restaurant that can’t give a superior tasting meal and great service.

Clients Reviews

Nowadays, the Internet has become well known and most restaurants as of now have their very own Facebook pages and websites. What’s more, in those pages, clients who attempted and tasted at the restaurants share their very own dining experiences with the owners and different foodies. You can investigate those reviews to find out about the Aastha Devotional Indian restaurant in Duncan BC you are visiting.

The above considerations can give you a thought in choosing a decent Indian food Duncan BC restaurant. Check out our delicious Indian Food Menu to appreciate incredible food and a lovely time with your family and friends.

We would love to welcome you at our restaurant, here’s how you can contact us to make a reservation.

Indian Herbs and Spices with Health Benefits

1. Turmeric

If you ever wondered from where does most of the Indian cuisine get its yellow colour from?! Well, the answer is, Turmeric ! Known to be the king of all spices and widely used in Indian Cuisine, For over 5000 years , turmeric has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive problems, infections and some cancers. Turmeric contains curcumin (a Substance With Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Effects) and Research shows that turmeric helps decrease inflammation, which could also have weight-loss benefits (oh yeah, thats a definite Wow for us)! While used in any cuisine, turmeric adds a warm, earthy aroma and flavor to poultry, seafood and vegetable dishes, including curries and chutneys.

2. Garlic

Suffering from high blood pressure? Try adding garlic to your cuisine (of-course one of the second common ingredient found in Indian cuisine) can reduce blood pressure, fight inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease and possibly protect against osteoarthritis. A quick known tip is to crush the garlic and let it sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before cooking with it. This not only allows the enzymes that have been trapped in the garlic to be released but also help retain the beneficial compounds in the garlic compared to cooking with it immediately after crushing.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has numerous health benefits, and is particularly effective at lowering blood sugar levels. Cinnamon has potent antioxidant activity, helps fight inflammation and has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. One of the best things to do is to start your day with a cup of cinnamon tea (Warm water, lemon, 1 tsp honey and half tsp cinnamon – gives an awesome kick start to your day)

4. Ginger

If you are following a weight loss regime, do-not miss out on Ginger! Used for decades to treat nausea and other digestive problems, ginger has recently gained attention as a weight- loss aid. Research shows that ginger is a natural appetite suppressant. It helps you feel full (of-course, you will eat less overall) . Well, Regardless as to what degree ginger may reduce body weight, it’s a healthful way to spice up your meal. Use a big pinch of ground ginger to sweeten your oatmeal instead of sugar or honey.

5. Cumin

Cumin has long been used in traditional medicine and is a rich source of iron. It is rich in antioxidants, and has been shown to exhibit anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have demonstrated that cumin can also aid in digestion and help in reducing food-borne infections. Want to try one of the best Indian cuisine in town? Check out our delicious menu which has at-least one or more ingredient from the above list in all of your dishes, here at Aastha devotional Restaurant – where food has its own language!

Indian Cooking Curries and More…

Indian food has many health benefits

Being generally low in fat, high in vegetables, legumes and whole grains, fruit and lean meats, Indian food has many health benefits. It is noted for its inclusion of many spices and vegetarian, vegan and non-vegetarian options, as well as its variety of flavours and colours.

So, what makes an Indian diet healthy? In answer to this, let’s take a look at the typical components of an Indian diet:

– High in a wide variety of vegetables and fruit (spinach, carrots, eggplant, mango etc.)

– High in a variety of spices and herbs, such as ginger, garlic and coriander

– Low in saturated fat

– Widely vegetarian

– High in fibre, vitamins and minerals

There are specific components of an Indian diet which have a range of health benefits.

Chickpeas, for example, which are often used in vegetarian curries, are a great source of fibre, zinc, folate and protein, which makes them a healthy factor in a vegetarian Indian diet. Spinach and tomatoes, which are widely used in Indian cuisine, are also known superfoods, containing high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Many Indian sauces and accompaniments are vegetable based, such as Sag aloo (spinach) and Gobhi Aloo (cauliflower with potatoes) making them a healthy choice as the majority do not use cream or cheese.

The minty yoghurt dip raita, made from natural yoghurt, cucumber and mint, is a source of calcium and is a low fat alternative to sauces such as mayonnaise.

Garlic features greatly in Indian cooking, which is said to be good for the heart, as do chili peppers, which are good for the immune system and metabolism.

Indian dishes often use vegetable, sesame and coconut oil rather than butter, which keeps them lower in saturated fat.

Finally, as Indian dishes have such an impacting taste often just a small portion can satisfy taste buds, helping you to consume fewer calories. Indian cuisine’s variety and vibrancy keeps it interesting, which is a healthy component to any cuisine as variety can prevent boredom and overeating.

At Aastha Devotional Indian Restaurant we strive to create an authentic Indian dining experience that brings joy and happiness to our customers. We use the finest ingredients and the best spices to create flavourful and delicious dishes that are inspired by a wholistic approach to food and health.

A Curious History Of Curry

What we know as “curry” has a long and curious history.

By early 1940-ies the word “curry,” in one form or another, had been assimilated into the cultures of Fiji, Japan, and Singapore; made its way to South Africa, Jamaica and Guyana; and even popped up in Britain, Germany, and Scandinavia (see: currywurst and curried herring). Even Americans had been eating it for a century, as the first American cookbook, 1824’s The Virginia Housewife, featured a curry recipe.

However, one of the only places in the world that didn’t have a dish called curry was, curiously enough, India.

That word “curry,” now as then, has a meaning as vague and inclusive as its ingredients. It can mean any stew made with Indian spices, as well as the yellow spice powder (usually a mixture of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek) used in raisin-studded chicken salads. It’s not difficult to trace the spread of curry—it traveled by sea, following traders and slavers and laborers, the ancient vectors of colony and conquest.

The Portuguese first came to India’s palm-toothed southern shores in 1498, in search of cardamom, cloves, and black pepper, each among the world’s most valuable commodities. Lacking a word to describe the spicy, coconut-thickened stews they found there, they went ahead and made one up: carel, taken from the Tamil word kari.

The meaning and origin of that Tamil word is surprisingly opaque. Dr. Lizzie Collingham, author of the book Curry: A Tale Of Cooks And Conquerors, says it meant something akin to “biting.” Colleen Taylor Sen, food historian and author of the book Curry: A Global History, gives the more common etymology of “spiced sauce.”

The British East India Company was incorporated on the last day of 1600, and within a century it had wrested mercantile dominance from the Portuguese. It also took the word carel, which their clumsy Anglo-Saxon tongues turned to “curry.” They used it to describe the wide range of spiced stews prepared by the native cooks, who politely adjusted their complex cuisine for the meeker palates of their invaders.

Back in India, British companies were already manufacturing curry powders with names like “The Empress” and selling them not just to London housewives, but to a captive audience of colonial subjects. The British continued to bring curry powder with them wherever they went, and curry spread fast all across South East Asia.

Inevitably, the word curry also made its way back home. In India, curry’s not so much a flavor, or an ingredient, or a generic term for spice mixes. (That’s masala.) Instead, it turns up on English-language menus to indicate gravy-based—or moist—dishes.

Original Source: The Takeout Magazine

Aastha Devotional has a comfortable dining room where you can enjoy a delicious meal on any occasion. Visit us at Aastha Devotional and experience authentic Indian dining for yourself. We look forward to serving you!

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