A Taste of Hindu India
By Erik Martel
Food and God
In Hinduism, food is so vitally important it is considered to be part of God or Brahman, as it nourishes the entire physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a human being. It is considered a gift from God and should be treated respectfully. Furthermore, beef is strictly forbidden in that a cow is a sacred animal that represents the mother of every man. Pork is also forbidden. Because one should never harm another living thing, vegetarianism is highly advocated, but not mandatory. Alcohol, onions, garlic, and red foods are also prohibited.
Vegetarianism
The following are reasons why most Hindus choose to be vegetarian:
Medical -Medical studies prove that a vegetarian diet is easier to digest, provides a wider range of nutrients, and introduces fewer burdens and impurities into the body.
Ecological -In large measure, the escalating loss of species, destruction of ancient rain forests to create pasturelands for livestock, loss of topsoils, and the consequent increase of water impurities and air pollution have all been traced to the single fact of meat in the human diet.
Ethical - Hindus believe that it is simply unethical to kill another living thing for food.
Religious: One is not truly following the Hindu religion if they are purposefully causing harm to another living thing for their own benefit. These actions are believed to create negative karma upon the eater.
Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf Recipe
Quinoa vegetable pilaf is a protein rich, gluten free and delicious dish. It is quick and easy to make. This can be served as a main dish or side dish.
Recipe will serve 2-4
For quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1-1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of turmeric
For vegetables
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup carrot cut in small pieces
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced ginger
- 1 green chili minced
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 1 bay leave
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 1ablespoon lemon or lime juice
- 3/4 cup tomato chopped for garnishing
Method
- Wash quinoa gently changing water several times.
- In a sauce pan combine quinoa, water, oil, salt and turmeric. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. This should take about 15 minutes.
- While quinoa is cooking heat the oil in other saucepan over medium heat, Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if it cracks right away oil is ready.
- Add the cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, and bay leave, as seeds crack add all the vegetables, carrot, corn, green peas, ginger, green pepper, and salt.
- Let the vegetable cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender but firm.
- Turn off the heat. Add quinoa to the mix of vegetable and gently fold it.
- Finish off by adding lemon juice and tomatoes.
Enjoy this nutritious, nutty and colorful dish!
Works Cited
"Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf (Pulav) | Manjula's Kitchen | Indian Vegetarian Recipes | Cooking Videos." Manjula's Kitchen | Indian Vegetarian Recipes | Indian Cooking Videos | Vegan Recipes | Gluten Free Recipes. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.manjulaskitchen.com/2012/09/21/quinoa-vegetable-pilaf-pulav/>.