A Look at Syndian's Indian Vegetarian Dhansak

One of the more popular of Syndian’s natural-made ready cooked meals is the superb Indian vegetarian dhansak. Made from eggplant, pumpkin, sweet red chilli, sweet potato, lentils and chickpeas, the dish is not only one of our most flavoursome, but also one of the healthiest.

However have you ever wondered from where the dhansak dish originated?

Dhansak is a popular dish which was introduced into Indian cuisine by the Parsi people of Gujarat. It is believed that, In time the dish has taken on the characteristics of both Persian and Gujarati cuisine. Dhan refers to the beans used in the dish: usually lentils, chickpeas or split peas. Sak refers to the distinctive vegetables used in the dish, usually eggplant, pumpkin, sweet red chilli and sweet potato. As the dish has become more popular around the world, other ingredients have been added (such as pineapple for added sweetness). However traditionally fruit is never included with ingredients such as pumpkin adding a different texture and flavour.

Traditionally, it is believed that the Parsis added goat meat to the curry though many vegetarian versions are made. It is from this tradition that Syndian Natural Foods takes its cue in our version of the dhansak.

Parsis are people who migrated from the area now known as Iran in around 10 AD to avoid compromising their Zoroastrian faith. They took their Persian cuisine to the western Indian state of Gujarat, where over time the two styles of food merged. The Gujarati cuisine was mostly vegetarian, having been influenced by traditional Hinduism and other beliefs such as Jainism which eschewed the consumption of meat.

It is thoughts that the early Parsi people recognised the value of natural foods, a philosophy to which we at Syndian Natural Food Products also adhere. Our products are natural foods and receive the minimum possible processing making them not only suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet, but also healthy and delicious.

Why not try some of our products? Got any questions about our natural foods philosophy? Contact us here.