Indian food gets off to a flying starter with vegetarian samosas and bhajis

It is no secret that vegetarians tend to get a raw deal when it comes to eating out due to the limited options available to them.

But vegetarian menu options at pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants will be given a boost by the arrival of the Authentic Food Company's Royal Indian Appetiser Selection.

Part of the Premium Indian Snack range, the selection includes three new products: Butternut Squash Samosa, Sweet Potato Bhaji and Mushroom and Spring Onion Pakora.

The dishes, which each come with mango chutney, are designed to be served as a deluxe platter for sharing, as starters, or part of a buffet selection.

All of the products can be cooked from frozen in less than eight minutes, making them handy for busy chefs, claims the firm.

The Authentic Food Company's product development controller Lee Tynan says: "It can be hard to find tasty and innovative vegetarian food that incorporates new and popular flavours. Butternut squash and sweet potato have a wide appeal with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners, which is why we have created the new dishes with them at the forefront.

"Offering options for sharing plates and light bites really boosts food trade, and it's important for chefs to remember to cater for vegetarians."