The Agarwal community is a Hindu community that follows the traditions of their ancestor Maharaja Agrasen, who adopted Vanika dharma (merchant tradition) and established a republic in the ancient city of Agroha. The Agarwals are known for their business acumen, social service, and cultural values. One of the most distinctive aspects of their culture is their adherence to the vegetarian diet and lifestyle, which reflects their belief in the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) and respect for all living beings. They also avoid consuming alcohol and tobacco, as they consider them to be harmful for the body and mind.

The Agarwal cuisine is rich and diverse, consisting of various dishes that are prepared with seasonal and regional ingredients. The Agarwal cuisine is influenced by the cuisines of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, where the Agarwals are mainly settled. The Agarwal cuisine is also influenced by the Jain cuisine.

The Agarwal cuisine is characterised by the use of spices, herbs, ghee, milk, curd, and paneer. The Agarwal cuisine also includes many sweets and snacks that are made with flour, sugar, nuts, and dry fruits.

The Agarwal families have passed down many traditional vegetarian recipes from generation to generation, preserving their culinary heritage and identity. Some of these recipes are:

• Aloo ki Sabzi: This is a simple and delicious potato curry that is cooked with tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and spices. It is usually served with pooris, parathas, or rotis. It is a popular dish for breakfast or lunch.

• Gatte ki Sabzi: This is a signature dish of Rajasthan that is also popular among the Agarwals. It is made with gram flour dumplings that are boiled and then cooked in a yoghurt-based gravy. It is flavoured with cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chilli, and asafoetida. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed with rice or rotis

• Dal Baati Churma: This is another quintessential dish of Rajasthan that is loved by the Agarwals. It consists of three components: dal, baati, and churma. Dal is a spicy lentil stew that is cooked with ghee, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Baati is a round bread that is made with whole wheat flour, ghee, and water. It is baked in an oven or over a fire. Churma is a sweet crumble that is made with coarsely ground wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and cardamom. It is garnished with nuts and dry fruits. The dish is served by dipping the baati in the dal and then eating it with the churma. It is a wholesome and festive dish that is often prepared for special occasions

• Paneer Butter Masala: This is a creamy and rich paneer curry that is cooked with butter, cream, tomatoes, cashews, and spices. It is a popular dish in North India that is also favoured by the Agarwals. It is a mouth-watering dish that goes well with naan, kulcha, or jeera rice. It is a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, as it is mild and sweet.

• Kachori: This is a crispy and flaky snack that is made with refined flour, ghee, and a filling of either moong dal, urad dal, or peas. It is deep-fried and then served with chutney, raita, or aloo ki sabzi. It is a snack that is enjoyed by the Agarwals throughout the year, especially during festivals and celebrations. It is a snack that can be eaten at any time of the day, as it is filling and tasty.

• Halwa: This is a sweet dish that is made with various ingredients, such as semolina, wheat flour, carrots, moong dal, or besan. It is cooked with ghee, sugar, milk, and water. It is flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and nuts. It is a dessert that is prepared by the Agarwals for religious occasions, such as Diwali, Navratri, or Janmashtami. It is a dessert that can be eaten hot or cold, as it is soft and smooth.

These are some of the traditional vegetarian recipes passed down in Agarwal families that showcase their culinary skills and culture. These recipes are not only delicious and nutritious, but also reflect the values and beliefs of the Agarwal community.