JD Vance On His Love For Vegetarian Food: 'Paneer, Rice, And Delicious Chickpeas'

US Senator and Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance discussed his shifting views on food, particularly his growing appreciation for Indian vegetarian cuisine, during a recent appearance on 'The Joe Rogan Experience'.

The conversation with Joe Rogan, which lasted three hours, offered insights into Vance's culinary experiences as well as his marriage to Usha Vance.

Photo Credit: PTI

Rogan began by expressing scepticism about plant-based meats, describing them as "highly processed garbage" and pointing out the health and environmental issues associated with them.

Instead, he praised traditional vegetarian fare, specifically Indian cuisine, as a healthier and tastier alternative. "If you want to eat vegetables and be vegetarian, eat Indian food. They make really delicious vegetarian food," Rogan noted.

Vance, in agreement, shared how his wife's Indian heritage has introduced him to vegetarian dishes he'd previously not considered. "I'm married to an Indian-American. They make very good vegetarian food," he said.

As a self-described "meat and potatoes guy from Ohio," Vance admitted that his early attempts at cooking for his wife were far from successful.

Recalling one such attempt to impress Usha with a homemade vegetarian meal, he explained, "I rolled out a flat thing of crescent rolls. I put raw broccoli on top of it. I sprinkled ranch dressing, and I stuck them in the oven for 45 minutes." The outcome, he admitted, was "disgusting."

Vance explained that he initially found it difficult to understand what vegetarian meals could be, especially as he tried to cater to Usha's tastes.

Over time, however, he came to appreciate the range and depth of flavours in Indian vegetarian cooking. "If you're any vegetarian, eat paneer and rice and delicious chickpeas. Do not eat this disgusting fake meat," he remarked.

A convert to Catholicism, Vance has previously spoken about his respect for his wife's Hindu background, acknowledging the nuances and compromises in their relationship.

In a prior interview with The New York Times, he shared mixed feelings about bringing Usha into his faith, explaining that although she has supported his spiritual journey, she has not converted to Catholicism herself.

"She thought that [Catholic teachings] were good for me, in a sort of good-for-your-soul kind of way," Vance revealed.

He admitted to feeling "kind of bad" about the change, recognising that Usha has taken on responsibilities, particularly in church with their three children, despite not having been raised in the faith.

Their relationship, which began during their time at Yale Law School, eventually led to marriage in 2014.