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Vegetarian Indian FoodI couldn't resist creating a vegetarian Indian food section when I decided to build this website. Growing up in an Indian-American household, and sharing many meals with relatives and family friends, I was familiarized with vegetarianism from a quite young age. 
Ok, so when I tell people I am a vegetarian these days the usual reaction I get is 'Ohh! Ok, that makes sense.' This response always catches me off guard, although deep down I know that it shouldn't. 'Well actually', I often explain, ' I made the decision at the beginning of 2007, almost out of thin air. I grew up eating meat, and my parents and siblings continue to be full omnivores to this very day.' 
The observance of vegetarianism by a large portion of Indian people; is usually based on their traditional interpretation of the religions of Hinduism, or (less commonly) Jainism.I will not comment too much on my feelings about religious dogma, but I will say that I believe in the freedom of individualism and personal choice. Ideally, I feel that a person should make their own decision (based on personal compassion, health, values, etc...) rather than doing/not doing something based on their family and ancestors. I chose to become vegetarian during a period of life when I broke away from traditions and the status quo. It was when I began to examine what my personal values really were, in terms of the world around me.  Regardless of varying beliefs, and of the level of religious observance: There is a vast selection of vegetarian dishes in Indian food, due to these influences. Now, let's kick it off with a traditional indian bread (naan) that can be served along with most other dishes of vegetarian indian food. That Naan would be a great compliment to this indian vegetable recipe, eggplant curry. ...Or to this Spicy Tofu Curry If you prefer rice to bread, then I encourage you to try this South Indian recipe - lemon rice. 
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