Non-vegetarian recipes are part of every culture and cuisine across the world and these recipes range from lamb, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, other sea foods, etc. However, there are many aspects which determine the inclusion or consumption of any type of meat, whether it is red or white. Religious belief is the main determinant of which meat recipe is permissible and which is not. If we take the case of Islam, food made from the meat of goat, sheep, cow, camel, etc are permitted, but not that of pig, horse, donkey, etc., as they are either considered dirty or detestable, but the same are eaten by the Christians as there are no restrictions. Similarly, there are no restrictions for the Hindus either to include in their daily diet.
History of Non-Vegetarian Food
Non-vegetarian recipes date back to the time of early man, when he sustained himself by hunting animals and cooking them on open fire. But with time, this crude way of cooking meat changed into a more dignified as well as advanced way, which enables man to prepare a variety of foods without much of hassle. Man’s evolution has led to discovery and invention of so many things which also includes discovery of spices and condiments. Soon man realized that addition of these spices and condiments resulted in not only adding flavor but also enhance the taste of the food. The religious and health based segregation of meats as taboo and non-taboo, determine the inclusion of various recipes.
Popular Non-Vegetarian Dishes
Non-vegetarian recipes are popular in almost all cuisines; however, the way the food is prepared and the spices used in these dishes are different and specific to the culture of the country where the recipe originates. Some popular foods are –
Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern – Chicken, Meat, and Fish are the main foods popular in these cuisines. Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Curry, Kadai Chicken, Chicken Biryani, Murg Mussallam, Sheekh Kebab, Shammi Kebab, Gosht Biryani, Paaya Shorba, Macchi Fry, etc., are some popular non-vegetarian recipes of these cuisines.
Chinese and Other Far East Countries – Chicken, Fish, Prawns and other sea foods are popular foods of these cuisines. Stir Fried Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken Soup, Chicken Fried Rice, Pepper Fried Chicken, Chicken Manchurian, Crispy Fried Prawns, Prawn Fried Rice, Fish Saute, etc., are some of the popular dishes of these cuisines.
European – Chicken, Lamb, Beef, Pork, Fish, and other sea foods are popular with the Europeans. Some popular European recipes are Salmon Sheghetti, Prawn Rissoles, Chicken Corden Blue, King Scallops with French Sorrel Sauce, Veal Chops, Grilled Sirloin Steak with Bearnaise Sauce, Spiced Beef Pies, Sausage Chowder, Meat Dumplings, Stuffed Pork, etc., are some popular dishes of European cuisines.
American – Chicken, Beef, Pork, Fish and Pork are quite popular with the Americans. Veg Chicken Salad, Beef Wrapped Lavosh, Herb Crusted Salmon, Barbecue Lemon Chicken, Glazed Smoked Ham, Tangy Orange Chicken, etc., are some of the popular dishes of this cuisine.
Popular Non-Vegetarian Dishes
Non-vegetarian includes dishes that range from appetizers such as soups to main course to side dishes and even snacks. Every cuisine has these non-vegetarian dishes.
Nutritive Value of Non-Vegetarian Food
Non-vegetarian recipes include a range of meats that are rich in protein of high biological value, Vitamin B complex, Calcium and many more vitamins and minerals.