Vegetarian Recipes - What is the Difference in Veg and Vegan Recipes? By Sunil Punjabi

Humans have been eating meat and animal products for many millennia, ever since evolution began and they evolved from apes. Vegetarianism on the other hand is a few thousand years old, and Veganism is just a few decades old and is an extreme form or subset of vegetarianism, where all animal products are avoided. Whatever food is consumed, whether meat based, veg, or vegan, cooking is an integral part of eating food and this requires Recipes. There are thousands of Vegetarian Recipes, Vegan Recipes and Recipes for meat based dishes that are available on hundreds of websites.

Some of these Home cooking recipes have been handed down through generations from mother to daughter and mother-in-law to daughter-in-law. Although humans have been consuming vegetables and plant products, along with meat and other animal products, for many millennia, vegetarianism dissuades consumption of all types of meat, and eggs too. Some communities do not consider eggs as a non-vegetarian item, but in countries like India, eggs are not considered vegetarian and are not consumed by strict vegetarians. Many individuals are used to meat and egg based dishes, along with a few veggies in salads and soups. But they are unaware that there are thousands of Veg Recipes available that can be used to make a complete meal, including soups, starters, appetizers, main course dishes, and desserts.

Vegetarianism evolved with religions and cultures over many millennia. Many religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism have strict rules regarding food consumption. Meat and eggs, and products made from these are strictly prohibited in many religions, castes, and communities. Thus evolved the dependence on vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices. This led to the evolution of Vegetarian Recipes over the millennia, with each caste, community, and even individual households having their own variations of standard recipes and ways to cook food. Vegetarianism is gaining ground in western countries like the US, UK, and Europe, but the opposite is happening in Eastern countries like India, where people are becoming more aware of western meat dishes and recipes.

Although vegetarianism does not exclude animal products like milk, and products made from milk, like butter, Ghee, sweets, chocolates, desserts, ice creams, etc, Veganism excludes these too. Donald Watson and Elsie Shringley started veganism and the Vegan Society in 1944. Veganism excludes all animal products as food, including milk and milk products. Anything that involves exploitation of animals for food, clothing, or any purpose is excluded for use. As veganism evolved, so did Vegan Recipes, which excluded all animal products for food consumptions. Veganism still includes all vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices, and there are hundreds of Recipes available for vegans.

Although Fast food and eating out in restaurants has become a necessity due to the hectic lifestyle, many families are turning back to healthy home cooking and the recipes handed down from past generations are coming in handy. Many individuals are also willing to try new Veg Recipes, meat and egg based Recipes and even Vegan Recipes. As they say, variety is the spice of life, and adding some variety to daily meals is sure to entice the family back to the dining table, instead of ordering pizzas and burgers, or taking the family out to lunch and dinner, which is an expensive affair.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=380548&ca=Food