hi there!
Welcome to The Belly Rules The Mind.
A vegetarian & vegan food blog where we (Anvita & Soniya) share quick and easy healthy-ish recipes, and some occasional treats.
We follow the 80-20 rule, 80% healthy eats, 20% indulgent treats ( because balance, right?) Thus we believe that the Belly Rules The Mind.
We are Indian Immigrant moms living the NRI life. Trying to balance Diwali traditions with Halloween fun. If you are like us mixing masalas and pumpkin spice, join our tribe.
Our Food Philosophy
For us " The Belly Rules The Mind" is all about how good food can totally change the way one feels. We love blending the best of both worlds - East and West - into vibrant, vegetarian & vegan meals that are easy, nourishing and delicious. From hearty curries to fresh salads, we are all about celebrating flavors from around the globe. This has allowed us to build a diverse palate in our kids.
When you eat food that's wholesome and full of love, it doesn't just fuel your body - it lifts your mood, boosts your energy, and brings joy. Good vibes really do start on your plate.
In short, we bring your vegetarian and vegan goodness that fits your busy life.
All of our recipes are tested several times, critiqued and approved by our families before we share them with you.
On The Belly Rules the Mind, you will find:
- Vegetarian and Vegan Instant Pot recipes
- Quick and healthy Air Fryer meals
- Instant pot desserts (yes, you can!)
- Fusion recipes with a twist
- Indian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, & Mediterranean inspired eats
- Tasty baked goods
- Easy appetizers and kid-approve snacks
- Quick meals for the times, when time is crunched
Our Favorite Cuisines
Growing up in Mumbai, we were exposed to a lot of cuisines. Our favorite foods to cook and eat are:
About the voices of The Belly Rules the Mind
Hi, I am Anvita
Hi! I’m Anvita, the founder of The Belly Rules The Mind. Mom to a tween and wife of a scientist. I was born and raised in India but now I live the NRI life United States. I love to travel and experience different cultures and cuisines. Having lived in different countries across the globe like, India, Australia, Germany and United States has taught me to enjoy and appreciate culinary experiences from around the world. I believe that food brings people together.
My family loves to travel, explore and learn about different countries and cultures. No matter where our adventures take us, local food is an integral part to widen our culinary experiences. So you will see all me sharing global recipes that we have enjoyed from many different countries during our travel.
Hi, I am Soniya
Hello, I am Soniya, the cofounder of The Belly Rules The Mind.
I am a mother of 2 energetic boys, wife to an IT professional.
My hubby and I were born in Mumbai, India, where we were spoiled by the wealth of food choices available to us. We could enjoy everything from yummy street food to multi-cuisine restaurants and we became very picky about what we like and what we don't.
We grew up in a Punjabi family where mornings usually begin with a “Paratha'' and end with a delicious meal to satisfy your sweet tooth. Despite this, our parents taught us the value of appreciating food from different cultures. We also try to do the same with our children.
The Belly Rules the Mind - How it all started
The Belly Rules The Mind kicked off as a hobby fueled by a love for experimenting in the kitchen and blending the best of two worlds. Anvita initially started the blog as a way to document the recipes she was creating—simple, healthy, and packed with flavor for her family. Soon, she found a kindred spirit in Soniya, who shared her deep love for food and creativity in the kitchen. Together, they turned this vegetarian and vegan recipe blog into a buzzing hub for food lovers.
Their goal was simple: to create a space where Indian-American moms could get a flavors of both traditional and modern cuisines. A platform for families who want it all—healthy, flavorful meals that celebrate heritage while fitting seamlessly into busy lifestyles.
Our Family
Meet The Belly Rules The Mind Family from 2016, when we all came together to make this blog into a thriving community. Our kids and husbands are our taste testers critiquing and approving every recipe that is shared on this blog.
Our Favorite Recipes
Each member of TBRTM family has their own favorite recipes from the site. If you are looking for a place to start, try one of our favorites!
Anvita's favorite recipes are:
Soniya's favorites are all Thai dishes. She loves:
Come join our tribe
- Connect with us on Facebook.
- Come and join vegan and plant based Facebook group.
- Check out our Pinterest boards for all the healthy eating inspiration you’ll ever need.
- For an unending buffet of healthy photographed food, follow us on Instagram.
Want to work with us?
Email us directly at [email protected] for all queries.
Brands we have partnered with:
Lisa Pemberton says
Hello!
I am in love with all your recipes. I was wondering if you have a cookbook that has been published? I would love to have all your recipes in one place. But, for now, I will continue to enjoy all of them on your web site. Thank you for sharing your recipes and tips.
Lisa P.
Sylvester Kobe says
There are many, many recipe sites on the internet - and this is one of the best. I happened upon it when searching for a way to make samosas in an air fryer, and stayed to browse. Some of these dishes I am familiar with, and I could tell all the special touches that you put into your recipes.
Extremely well written recipes - and I appreciate your notes about improvising with each.
Much appreciated!
Sue says
Didn’t even bother staying page. There is so much advertising and crap to get through
Devini says
what are the ingredients for your baked Dhokla?
Dee Anderson says
Just made air fryer chickpeas - yummy!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Dee, thanks for sharing your feedback with us
sharon says
I don't want to register and create a password to just access your recipes or receive your newsletter through email. If you require this registration, then I'll just pass on subscribing to the newsletter. You don't need to gather all of my personal information so I'm stumped as to why you are trying to do so.
Mary says
I don't have a printer. Is there any way to save your recipes without having to search for them every time I want to make one? Thank you!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Maria, wr has disabled copy paste on our blog. Sorry forcthe inconvenience!
You can take screenshot and safe in your gallery ?
Renee says
In your pad thai recipe you say that tamari is gluten free. This is not true unless it is specifically wheat free tamari - most commercial brands are made with wheat.
Sarah says
@Renee, most commercial brands of soy sauce are made with wheat. Tamari is made with only soy beans. That is the defining difference between the two.
Harold says
I was trying to print the recipe for the delicious looking Air Fryer Potato Wedges.
But when I hit the Print button it came up wanting to print 7 pages because of all the pictures included with the printer version.
Is there a way to print the recipes without all the pictures?
I really just need the ingredients and instructions.
Thank you
Eva says
I would like to be able to save your recipes, but I can't. I don't want to try to make the dishes with my computer open on my counter. Is there a solution?
Rhonda says
I would like to subscribe to your blog.
Soniya Saluja says
HI Rhonda, when you checking out our recipe you will see a pop up in the middle of the page :)
Normand Chabot says
very good receipe
Louis Nyary says
Can the Strawberry Jam 3 ingredient be made in a slow cooker? I do not have a instant pot?
Aban Jokhi says
Hi.I have tried many of your recepies
..They turn out very delicious.thanks for sharing them..
Soniya Saluja says
Hello Aban .....We are so glad to hear that!
Niti says
Hello! I'm trying to locate the pakoda recipe for the appe pan to use in kadhi pakoda. On the kadhi pakoda recipe, only the kadhi recipe is posted with a like to the pakoda recipe. This link for the pakoda recipe is a circular link back to the kadhi recipe. Please help!
marlene says
Please I want to subscribe to receive recipes
Thank you in advance
Christiane says
Please I want to subscribe to receive recipes, they all look amazing!!!
Melanie Alonzo says
What about the Strawberry jam recipe?
Hanifa says
Plz wher can i find the homemafe air fryer n price
Pat says
Just a heads up, on your recipe for the Instant Pot wild rice mushroom soup, when you scroll down to the gluten free directions, it reads as below. I do not think you meant to put 1.5 CUPS of cornstarch in the recipe. You may have some unhappy customers if they follow this direction.
How to make this wild rice soup recipe gluten-free
You can use any gluten-free flour to make your roux however I like to use gluten-free cornstarch. Simply whisk 1.5 cups of cornstarch in cold milk and heat it on stove top until it starts simmering and then whisk it generously until it thickens.
Sharon Cantleberry says
I'm excited to make the no sugar added apple butter. I was wondering about the amount of lemon juice. At the end of the recipe it just says 1. Thank you! I can't wait to make this!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Sharon, awesome! It's juice of 1 lemon. Will update the recipe.. so there is no confusion. Do share your feedback with us after you make it.
Michelle Juneau says
Hi there! I made your Korean Air Fried Cauliflower Wings Cheescake Factory Copycat recipe and I am having trouble getting them crispy in my air fryer. I have an IP Duo Crisp and no matter how long I cooked them, they were not crispy on the outside. What am I doing wrong?
Phyllis Gan says
I have just tried your vegetable paneer biryani and it was so delicious! Thank you. But may I ask why is the timing to cook biryani is 5 mins with quick release while the timing to cook plain white basmati is 6 mins with 10 mins natural release?
Phyllis Ely says
I found your site for fresh tomato sauce. I had 30 lbs to cook. Your recipe was easy. I do have one problem with your instructions and many other sites as well. How dies it take 5 minutes to dice tomatoes, onions, carrots, basil and parsley???? It takes me longer to prep than cook. The sauce is delicious. I am freezing it.
Thank you.
TheBellyRulesTheMind says
Hi Phyllis,
Thanks for your feedback. Appreciate it. Glad you found the sauce delicious and are freezing it for future use. We understand where you are coming from, however when we make the recipe we are not making it with 30 lbs of tomatoes so for our quantity it's quick :) Thanks for the feedback though, will keep it in mind for future recipes.
Anvita.
Aditi says
The Khandavi recipe in Instant Pot turned out to be a huge success. I have never been able to make Khandavi, with your process turned out be perfect.
Thank you !!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Aditi, we are so glad to hear that ❤ hope you try other recipes from our blog..xoxo
Connie Ann says
Hi... your recipes look so unbelievable! I am looking to 1st make the peas play, however, I do not have the Instant Pot, but I do have a slow cooker/pressure cooker by Greenpan. Can I use this to make this dish and for that matter any of your other recipes? Please let me know, it would really help me. Thanks so much and stay safe & healthy... Connie ox
Soniya Saluja says
HI Connie, We are so glad to hear your thoughts :) to answer you question YES! you can make and use are recipe in your green pan pressure cooker, it has features like pressure cook, saute , steam. we like making our rice recipes on pressure cooker mode...Do share you valuable feedback with us after you try our recipes :) and we are here to help you ! <3 Stay safe
Saloni says
Hi .. can you pls share noodles brand for spicy Thai noodles? Thanks!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Saloni, We used barilla Spaghetti noodles for thai noodle recipe ( you can even make it with chings)
Tracy says
You make it really hard to sign up
Dorothee says
What is your favorite brand of store bought vegetable broth? Most of the brands I have tried are not good. The best product I have found so far is Knorr’s select vegetable bullion but the flavors in it dominate recipes so everything starts tasting the same.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Dorothy, we prefer using Better then Bouillon . It's great product to have in your kitchen. We love vegetable base, roasted garlic.
Christiane Read says
Love to receive lots of recipes from both of you. Thank you in advance
Susan says
Looking forward to more recipes from you!
Soniya Saluja says
HI Susan, Definitely ! xoxo
Missy says
How does one subscribe to your site? I must be overlooking the subscribe button..
[email protected]
Nanda Dhananjaya says
Yogurt using the PiP method in the instant pot was delicious & creamy. Thank you, Soniya!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Nanda, so glad you hear that❤️ hope you give our other IP recipes a try.xoxo
Monica says
I made yogurt following your recipe today. How can I make yogurt in Instant Pot- with pot in pot method (using glass container)
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Monica,pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot inner pot and place trivet in the inner pot.
Carefully place the bowl on the trivet and close the Instant Pot. You can choose to cover it loosely with aluminum foil and follow the recipe.
Thanks do share your feedback with us after you make it :)