When looking to substitute chicken and eggs with high-protein vegetarian options in an Indian diet, there are several nutritious alternatives. Here are seven protein-rich foods commonly found in Indian cuisine: (All pics: Freepik)
A popular Indian cheese, paneer is rich in protein and can be used in various dishes like paneer tikka, palak paneer, or simply grilled as a snack.
Lentils are a staple in Indian cooking and are rich in protein, fibre, and various nutrients. They can be cooked in many ways, such as dal tadka, dal makhani, or added to soups and salads.
Chickpeas are a versatile legume that can be used in curries, and salads, or ground into flour for making dishes like besan chilla (chickpea flour pancakes).
Soybean is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids. It can be used in various forms like soy chunks, tofu, or soy milk.
While not traditionally Indian, quinoa is a great source of protein and can be used as a substitute for rice in dishes like pulao or khichdi.
Greek yogurt is higher in protein compared to regular yogurt and can be used in raita, smoothies, or as a snack with fruits and nuts.
Almonds, cashews, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are all high in protein and can be added to dishes, salads, or eaten as snacks.