Vegetarian Dishes: An Integral Aspect Of South Indian Cuisines

Vegetarianism is today becoming immensely popular among various sections and communities of people. This can be due to a number of reasons from the need to preserve Earth's natural resources to animal lovers who are ethically opposed to eating them. So why is it a good idea to adopt vegetarism? First and foremost there is an abudance of scientific research that proves that there are various health and environmental benefits of adopting a vegetarian diet. According to studies, an estimated 70 per cent of all diseases including one-third of all cancer are completely dependent on diet. According to a study conducted by the Loma Linda University, vegetarians live almost seven years longer, and vegans almost fifteen years longer, than meat eaters. 

This is because fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidant nutrients that protect the heart and its arteries while most animal food products contain a lot of dietary saturated fat and cholesterol which can prove harmful in the long run. In other words, a vegetarian diet greatly reduces the risk of chronic regenrative diseases like obesity, cornoray disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even certain type of cancer like colon, breast, stomach and cancer. 

Secondly, the mass production of meat damages the environment to a great extent. So switching to a vegetarian diet can indeed help to reduce this damage in an effective way. Approximately 70 per cent of the grain crop in the US is used for feeding animals that will be eventually killed for food. In other words, it takes 15 pounds of feed to generate 1 pound of meat, and if this same amount of grain were given directly to people, we could combat hunger in a much effective way. Animal farming also generates significant amounts of nitrous oxide and methane, which in turn causes a global warming on a massive scale. That is why giving up meat even on a weekly basis can go a long way in helping to preserving human health on one hand and improving ennvironment on the other hand.

This growing interest in vegetarianism today has promoted the growth and emergence of many vegetarian restaurants not just in India but around the world as well. With so many advanced features and facilities,South Indian Vegetarian Dining are becoming extremely popular as well. Offering customers a variety of cuisines from South Indian to Mughlai, these restaurants are extremely international and modern in their style. In addition, South Indian cuisine which is gaining acceptance not just on a national but global stage is becoming increasingly popular as well. 

This is also due to the fact that South Indian cuisine has a number of vegetarian dishes like idli sambar, dosa, uthampas, Authentic Coconut Chutney and rasam that are extremely delicious, mouth watering and healthy. These South Indian vegetarian dining offer the best facilities, making them an ideal place for family and friends as well. The increasing number of South Indian vegetarian dining units around the country is valid proof that South Indian cuisines is being appreciated by various categories of people who like to enjoy their meals in a modern yet contemporary environment. 

Source: goarticles.com/article/Vegetarian-Dishes-An-Integral-Aspect-Of-South-Indian-Cuisines/9437973/

The Significance Of Spices In Cooking

A broad term used to describe herbal by-products, spices are used to add flavor and serve as aesthetic, aromatic and therapeutic treatment to food items. Spices are made from natural sources like leaves, flowers, roots, barks or nuts of a plant. Also, spices are generally dried and ground before they are mixed with other ingredients and then finally added to various types of dishes. Spices appeal to all the five human sense and have been an integral part of cooking since time immemorial. In addition, spices have also played an integral role in the cuisine of various countries especially India. So while spices are used in almost all regions of India, South Indian food uses them in the most creative and enhanced manner. This is because South India is one of the biggest manufacturer and exporters of spices in the world and this is truly depicted in their dishes as well. In other words, because of the easy availability of spices, a number of South Indian food recipes uses a wide variety of spices in almost all their dishes and food items.

The history of spices can be traced back to the Middle Ages particularly that of nutmeg and garlic. Trading spices among different cultures and countries in the early centuries was a means of dominating the world economy, to the point that many expeditions were undertaken for this purpose. As the spices were discovered, continents like North and South America were also discovered, giving a massive impetus to trade and commerce in the global sense. In 1497 the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama discovered a sea route around the southern tip of Africa, eventually reaching Kozhikode on the southwest coast of India in 1498. Da Gama returned from his voyage with a cargo of nutmegs, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns. Later on in the Middle Ages, spices become as valuable in Europe as gold and precious stones and the single most important force in the economy of the world.  Also fierce competition among European nations for control of the spice trade was the driving force behind the colonization of India and other Asian lands. Additionally, the lack of refrigeration and poor standards of hygiene meant that spices were very useful in helping to mask the flavor of preserved food. Later, as spices become common and economical, it began to be used in a number of household for enhancing and improving the flavor of dishes. Today spices have become extremely common in homes around the world and are an essential element in many cooking techniques as well. 

As mentioned above, spices are an essential part of Indian cuisine particularly authentic South Indian cuisine which is known for its extravagant and popular use of various types of spices. Many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes of South India like sambar, rasam, biryanis use a lot of spices in order to improve the taste and flavor of the dishes. Further, many South Indian Cuisine Restaurants also prepare dishes using popular spices in order to retain the authentic taste and flavor. In short, spices are today extremely popular and well-known, making them one of the most important elements of not just South Indian food, but of global cuisine as well.

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South Indian Food: Dishes That Make A Perfect Breakfast

It is for a particular reason that breakfast is considered as one of the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast on a regular basis can impact your health in more ways than one. People who skip breakfast tend to eat more food during the day and nibble on high calorie snacks, thereby putting their health at a great risk. That is why it is important that you have breakfast on a regular basis even when you are trying to lose weight or just trying to stay healthy. Several studies have proved that it is always better to consume smaller and more frequent meals than indulge in fewer and larger meals. Here are some reasons why breakfast is very important for your health and well-being.

Breakfast helps you begin your day on a healthy note: Breakfast provides the human body and brain with fuel after a night of complete rest and fast. Without breakfast, your body will not have the required fuel to function effectively throughout the day. According to nutritionists, breakfast should be eaten within two hours of waking and must provide calories in the range of 20-35% of your daily allowance. Further, breakfast foods must provide you with considerable amounts of calcium, iron and vitamins so make sure to have plenty of vegetables and fruits in the morning meals. Also, having breakfast is important if you want to lose weight as research has shown that people who skip breakfast tend to be over-weight as compared to those who eat their breakfast on a daily basis. 

Breakfast improves your cognitive function: Breakfast also helps to restore the glucose levels in the body, which is needed for effective brain function. Many prominent studies have shown that regular breakfast can improve memory and concentration skills, enhance your mood and lower stress levels. In children, a good breakfast can improve memory and behaviour thereby helping them to study well. 

Breakfast provide for your energy needs: Different categories of people require different levels of energy depending on their gender and lifestyle. Growing children require a lot of energy, as an example boys aged 7-10 years should consume approx. 1970 kcals per day, and girls aged 7-10 years consume approx. 1740 kcals. Adult men on the other hand, require approx. 2500 kcals and women approx. 2000 kcals per day. When people skip breakfast, they do not receive their required quota of energy needs, making them weak and unable to function effectively. 

Over all, it has been proved that breakfast is required for a healthy and nutritious life. South Indian food with its wide array of healthy, nutritious and tasty food offers you a wide array of breakfast choices. From dosa to idli to upmas, South Indian food is perfect to begin your day on a healthy note. Some South Indian breakfast dishes that you can include in your menu includes the following:

Idli: One of the most popular south Indian breakfast dishes, idli is made by steaming a batter consisting of fermented black lentils (de-husked) and rice. Popular throughout the four states of south India, idli is very nutritious and tasty as it has a very low calorie content. In addition, idlis are good sources of fibers, proteins and carbohydrates. As idlis are fermented, they not just easy to digest but are also good source of vitamins. 

Dosa and its numerous varieties: Another South Indian breakfast dish that is good for your health is dosa, which is extremely popular in a number of South Indian Restaurants around the world. Dosa has a good amount of healthy carbohydrates, making it the ideal choice for breakfast. They also provide protein and are low in calories. Served with sambar and chutney, they are extremely nourishing and delicious. 

Appam: A popular South Indian dish, this is made from boiled rice. It reduces the chances of obesity and lowers cholesterol efficiency. This dish can be served with a number of vegetable based accompaniments, making the dish extremely tasty without adding the calories. 

In short, most South Indian food recipes are made keeping in mind the health of an individual and therefore make for a very healthy yet nutritious breakfast option. In addition as the recipes of most of these dishes are very simple, a South Indian breakfast is sure to give you the energy to kick start your day in an effective manner. 

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Source: http://goarticles.com/article/South-Indian-Food-Dishes-That-Make-A-Perfect-Breakfast/9326290/

Spices and South Indian Cuisines: An Unmatched Combination

                    

One word that perfectly describes India is diversity which is ideally reflected in its culture, traditions, festivals and cuisines. For a country that has the maximum population, second only to China, the food habits here vary from region to region. In fact, food from one part of the country may not be cooked in another part. That being said, food is one of the most important factor that binds the people of this country together as almost everyone here likes to taste food from other parts of the country. In addition, one common thread that runs through Indian food is the use of numerous spices that add a distinctive flavor and aroma to all the dishes. Though almost all the regions of India use spices, South Indian food is popular for its high spice content which provides a brilliant blend of flavors, colors, seasoning, nutritional balance, taste , fragrance and visual appeal to all its dishes.

Spices are defined as 'a strongly flavored or aromatic substance of vegetable origin, obtained from tropical plants and commonly used as a condiment.' During the Middle Ages, spices were considered as one of the most luxurious products available in Europe. The most popular spices that were traded with during this time period included black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Trading of spices between the 8-15th century was very popular, with Venice having monopoly over the trade. This resulted in Venice growing very rich during this period. Most of the spices that were exported to these regions came from Asian plantations. Today, spice trade is just as successful with Indian traders exporting spices to various countries around the world. In other words, spice trade has impacted the lives of many people, especially in the manner that we eat food as meals taste so much better with the addition of a little spice.

                            

                             

Masala is a word that is commonly used in Indian cooking and is simply the Hindi word for spice. So, whenever spices are combined with herbs and other condiments, it is called masala. As there are so many spices in the market today, Indian spices can be categorized into three categories, namely basic spices, complimentary spices and aromatic/secondary spices. Further, while all regions of India use liberal amount of spices, Authentic South Indian cuisine is known for spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

Additionally, spices also have a range of health benefits, which increases their popularity in South Indian cuisines. Spices like cardamom, black pepper, clove, cinnamon and turmeric are said to have benefits from aiding weight loss to improving digestion. Most of the South Indian dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian have rich use of spices which not just aid in improving the taste but also have a lot of health benefits. Today, the popularity of South Indian food is not just restricted to India but has spread to countries all over the world. With many restaurants serving South Indian food on a global level, the popularity of these dishes is only set to rise in the future as well.

Source:http://goarticles.com/article/Spices-and-South-Indian-Cuisines-An-Unmatched-Combination/9315352/

South Indian Food: A Vegetarian's Delight

                        

Many people around the world are adopting vegetarianism as a mode of life. While some people take up a vegetarian diet for spiritual reasons, others do it for an environmental cause. According to the United Nations, livestock is one of the biggest contributors to environmental problems in the world. But one of the main reasons why adopting a vegetarian diet is good is because it boosts and improves your health to a great extent. With various programmes and initiatives, a lot of people are being encouraged to give up meat at least for a few days in a week. Unique initiatives like Meatless Monday are thriving in many countries like Brazil, Croatia, USA and Canada. These are aimed at helping people reduce their meat intake in an effective and organized manner.

According to the American Dietetic Association, a vegetarian diet is extremely safe and healthy for all categories of people from pregnant mothers to children to athletes as long as they are planned in a proper way. A lot of research has proved that eating less meat reduces the risk of heart disease and perhaps even type 2 diabetes and some form of cancer. Vegetarians have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and tend to be much less prone to obesity, therefore putting them at a lower risk of chronic diseases. In other words, a vegetarian diet tends to be low in total fat, and vegetarians tend to eat proportionally more polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat compared with non-vegetarians. (Animal products are the major sources of dietary saturated fat).

                    

In this regard, South Indian food has a wide variety of vegetarian dishes that are high on taste, flavor and nutrition. They are immensely popular in many South Indian vegetarian dining houses as they truly depict the cuisine of the region. Some popular vegetarian South Indian dishes include the following:

Idli Sambar: A traditional breakfast dish in South Indian homes, idli sambar is extremely nutritious, healthy, tasty and delicious. Idli is generally made from a batter consisting of fermented black lentils (de-husked) and rice. The fermentation process breaks down the starches, ensuring that it is easily digested by the human body. There are many variations of idlis available in restaurants and they are generally served with sambar or chutney. Sambar and idli today is one of the best possible combination as they completely balance each other in terms of flavor and taste. 

Authentic Coconut Chutney: Another important dish of South India that enjoys immense popularity is authentic coconut chutney. This serves as a perfect accompaniment with many dishes like dosa, vada and idli. Besides every state and restaurant have their own unique recipe of creating authentic coconut chutney, thereby adding a unique twist to this ever popular dish. 

  

                       

Rasam: Prepared using tamarind juice as a base with addition of tomatoes, chilli pepper, cumin and various types of seasoning and spices, rasam is a form of South Indian soup. Nowadays, rasam powder is easily available in the market, so those fond of cooking can easily make this dish at home. Eaten either as spicy soup or with rice, it has a distinct flavor that is different from sambar though they both might look similar. Rasam has many health benefits as it provides the human body with a good dose of vitamin A and C due to the addition of tomatoes and acidic fruits. It is hence a very good vegetarian dish that provides the body with a lot of nutritional benefits. 

In conclusion, south Indian cuisines is extremely versatile in terms of flavor, taste, nutrition and variety. By properly integrating all aspects of culinary science and techniques in cooking, South Indian dishes have today gained immense popularity not just in India but on a global platform as well. 

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Have You Tried These Amazing South Indian Breakfast Dishes?

Encompassing dishes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andra Pradesh and Karnataka, South Indian cuisine brings together a wide array of tasty and delicious food items. Sharing a common flavor palate and varying degrees of flavor, South Indian food has a rich and strong heritage. While food from Tamil Nadu is a perfect mix of spicy and non-spicy food, dishes from Andra Pradesh are generally more spicier and hot in comparison with others. On the other hand, diversity is what truly defines the dishes from Kerala, the cuisine of Karnataka is generally mild in comparison with dishes from other states. Overall, dishes from South India are simple, easy to prepare, nutritious, delicious and healthy. This is particularly true for breakfast dishes of South Indian cuisine, as they provide all the necessary nutrients and minerals that are needed by the human body to kick start their day in a proper manner. 

                        

Breakfast is one of the most important meal of the day as it provides the human body and brain the essential fuel required to function in an effective manner. Eating a good breakfast every morning is a great way to get your metabolism working in a proper manner for the entire day. It also prevents you from eating unnecessary junk foods. Eating a healthy meal in the morning will help you remain active throughout the day. A healthy, appetizing and delicious breakfast in the morning will help to regulate your blood sugar levels through lunch time, which in turn plays an important role in regulating your mood. That being said, what you consume during your breakfast is also extremely important as the meal must be rich in proteins and vitamins Hence, eating dishes that are a part of the South Indian cuisine for breakfast is therefore one of the best ways to begin your day in a energetic way. So in this article, we look at some of the simple yet effective South Indian breakfast dishes that are popular not just in homes but even in the menu options of South Indian restaurant as well. 

Idli: A popular South Indian breakfast and snack dish, idli is usually served in pairs with an accompaniment of sambar and chutney. Idlis are generally steamed and made from a batter consisting of fermented black lentils and rice.

Dosa is a fermented crepe or pancake made from rice batter and black lentils. It is popular in many South Indian homes and is a consumed at breakfast by many families. As it is low on carbohydrates and saturated fat, it is one of the most healthy and nutritious breakfast option. There are many variations of dosa available like rava dosa, chilli dosa, paper dosa, ghee dosa, onion dosa, green dosa etc. and they are generally served with accompaniments like sambar, chutney and pickle

Medu Vada is a urad dal based fried snack that is very popular in South Indian vegetarian food restaurants. This dish is prepared by soaking urad dal and grounding it with spices, after which it deep fried till it becomes golden brown in color. It is generally served with coconut chutney and can be a good breakfast dish as it is delicious and nutritious at the same time. 

Appam is a popular dish that is a part of the breakfast menu of many South Indian homes. Appams are actually white pancakes that have a crisp side with airy, soft on touch, fluffy center. They are generally served with a number of side dishes like vegetable stew or chicken stew, sweetened coconut milk, Kerala egg cury, egg roast, korma, chutney and kadala curry.

The South Indian recipes of these dishes are therefore very high on taste and flavor while at the same time being healthy and nutritious. They are served in a number of South Indian cuisine restaurants and are extremely popular among the customers as well. With so many varieties and options, it comes as no surprise that South Indian cuisine is gaining immense popularity not just in India but in various places around the world. 

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The Growing Popularity of South Indian Cuisines in Delhi

                         

The city of Delhi is a melting pot of many cultures and cuisines. It has over the years, absorbed the culture and traditions of many settlers and visitors from around the world. The emperors, nobles, kings, royalty and elite people have always promoted and encouraged the growth of various types of cuisine by giving it generous patronage over the years. Today, cuisines from all across India can be found in Delhi which is currently the capital of India. A cosmopolitan city in which people are open to new ideas and lifestyles ensure that the city has a rich and diverse base of cuisines as well. In addition, Delhi has served as a host to not just people from outside but for within the country as well. People from various places of the country be it the north-east, south or west have come to Delhi and gradually made it their home. Further, their culture and cuisines have greatly influenced the overall lifestyle and culture of Delhi. This is true for South Indian cuisines which has grown to become very popular and accepted form of cuisine in the city. Featuring dishes from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, South Indian cuisine is gaining immense popularity not just in Delhi but in the NCR regions of Gurgaon and NOIDA as well. 

 

South India cuisine is a mix between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. As these regions are coastal in nature, they have a hot and humid climate meaning they have a steady supply of rice, fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, these areas are also known for their use of coconuts, spices and a huge range of seafood which forms an integral part of their diet. Tamil Nadu is known for its Chettinand cuisine which is extremely hot spicy and flavorsome. The dishes in this cuisine are hot and pungent, made by using fresh ground masalas and a variety of sun dried meats and salted vegetables. The meat is restricted to restricted to fish, prawn, lobster, crab, chicken and lamb as Chettiars do not eat beef and pork.

Kerala is popular for its Malabari cooking, with Kozhikode and Thalassery considered as the centre of this cuisine. Influenced by various cultures and flavors of Arab, Brahmin, Zamorin and Chirakkal cuisines, Malabar cuisines is distinctive and has a mix of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. As Hyderabad is the home to the Nizams (rulers of Hyderabad), its food is rich and flavorful with a range of taste from spicy to sour to sweet. Hyderabadi cuisine is full of nuts, dried fruits and exotic, expensive spices like saffron. Hence by and large South Indian cuisine is a good mix between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and is generally centered around rice. Rice is combined with other dishes which include authentic sambar (a soup-like lentil dish tempered with whole spices and chillies) and rasam (a hot-sour soup like lentil dish), dry and curried vegetables and meat dishes and a host of coconut-based chutneys and pompadours (deep-fried crispy lentil pancakes). In addition, South Indians are great lovers of filter coffee, which is now available in a number of South Indian vegetarian dining restaurants as well. 

With a rich variety and flavorsome dishes, it is no wonder that almost all sections of people in Delhi have own to like south Indian cuisines. This is also evident from the growing popularity of South Indian Vegetarian dining restaurants that are now spread across the city and which serve authentic South Indian food in a pleasant and comfortable environment, that are at par with international standards. 

Source: http://goarticles.com/article/The-Growing-Popularity-of-South-Indian-Cuisines-in-Delhi/9199720/