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World Vegetarian Day, as the name suggests, promotes the importance of ‘vegetarianism’ in our lives, and how living a meatless life is better for society as a whole. It all started in the year 1977 when the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) was established to work for this.

People generally feel that choosing a ‘vegetarian diet’ does not help the body on the whole as some or the other nutrient is missing from a meat-free diet. This is not true. There are enough and more vegetarian options that surely possess proteins, fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, vitamins and others, absolutely essential for the smooth and healthy functioning of the body. All you need to keep into consideration is to plan your meals in a way where you are consuming varied foods with key nutrients in them. 

Why vegetarian?  

• A vegetarian diet is believed to be nutritionally more superior as there is more consumption of essential nutrients through it.

• Vegetarians tend to have a lower body mass index as well as lesser chances of developing cancer, heart diseases or any other chronic diseases.

• A vegetarian diet can actually help you to reduce weight easily. In addition to this, a low-calorie diet of fibre rich fruits and vegetables, soya and unrefined complex carbohydrates can add more years to your life. 

• Elimination of meats, poultry, fish and other animal-based foods means lesser chances of foodborne illnesses. 

• Vegetarian foods are a friend of your immunity system. Because in this, you follow a ‘rainbow diet,’ meaning eating natural colours in the form of fruits and vegetables rich with essential nutrients and antioxidants. 

So, on this day, here’s a plethora of recipes that change the way you think about vegetarian food. I say this lot is better than its non-vegetarian counterpart. These are the ones that truly replace non-vegetarian food graciously. Time to give them a try!   

1) Eggless Chocolate Cake 

Do you love cakes? Well, who doesn’t! Here is one such recipe that will make it worth all your efforts going eggless. Plus, you can’t really go wrong with chocolate ever, right? What more can you ask for? I’m sure after trying this, you’ll definitely be hooked forever onto baking cakes sans eggs! 

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Microwave-Eggless-Chocolate-Cake-Cakes-and-Bakes.html

2) Besan Methi Cheela 

An all-in-one loaded vegetarian omelette! So, ditch the eggs and go for this one. Methi and mushroom make it wholesome and cottage cheese a.k.a. paneer will melt in your mouth flawlessly. Iron, Vitamin D, proteins and more – all taken care of! What could be more mind-blowing than this?

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Besan-Methi-Cheela-With-Cheese-Cooking-with-Olive-Oil.html

3) Anardana Paneer Tikka 

Who said that tikkas become boring when they are vegetarian? This one is a proof that the best things in life are not always with meats! Once you bite into this luscious beauty, you’ll be compelled to bid goodbye to the chicken tikka. And that’s a promise! 

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Anardana-Paneer-Tikka---SK-Khazana.html

4) Kerala Jackfruit Curry 

It’s the jack of all and master bhi! Ask anyone, jackfruit is the ‘mutton’ of the vegetarian world! High on Vitamin A, B-complex, C, fibre, potassium, magnesium, manganese and iron – the humble kathal makes the best of curries and this recipe is one of those. Enjoy the look and feel of non-vegetarian while benefitting from the vegetarian flavours of this yummy dish from ‘God’s own country!’ Bonus: This is vegan too! 

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Kerala-Jackfruit-Curry-Sanjeev-Kapoor-Kitchen-FoodFood.html

5) Urad Dal Soya Keema 

Move over mutton, as this plant-based keema is for keeps! Soya is one of the richest sources of proteins. Thus, a great choice for vegetarians to fulfill the need of this very important nutrient. As for non-vegetarians too, I say try substituting mutton or chicken with this and you’ll understand what I’m talking of. It checks the boxes of taste, textures and nutrition brilliantly! Pair this with garmagaram paranthas or phulkas, you won’t be able to stop…  

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Urad-Dal-Soya-Keema-Turban-Tadka-FoodFood.html