Jain Sabzi Recipes, Jain Gravy Recipes

Jain Sabzi Recipes, Jain Gravy Recipes, Subzis and gravies are an everyday affair for Indians. There is an ample variety in that department but it is harder for Jains as they do not eat some vegetables. People who follow Jainism do not consume any root vegetables and many green leafy vegetables too. Many Jains do not follow this rule exactly as they eat all vegetables except onions, potatoes and garlic but we have still mentioned a few examples of ingredients that Jains avoid. This list is not exhaustive but is indicative.  

Quick Paneer Subzi

List of foods that are not consumed by Jains

1.  onions
2. Garlic
3. Green ginger and Turmeric
4. Yams
5. Carrots
6. Bambo Karela
7.  Radish
8. Funghi (mushrooms)
9. Tubular vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes
10. Green Leafy Vegetables like coriander, spinach, methi, cabbage, cauliflower greens and Dill leaves are avoided during the monsoon season.
11. Cauliflower
12. Many seeded vegetables like  Brinjal
13. Pods of many trees including banyan tree, pipal tree etc
14. Yeast
15. Alcohol

Jainism is based on the concept of "Ahimsa" which means non-violence. All the food consumed by a Jain is meant to cause least disruption and hurt to other organisms and "jivas" in the world, both visible and microscopic. For example – the reason for avoiding any vegetable that grows underground is that to procure such a vegetable, an entire plant has to be uprooted which causes unnecessary death of such a plant which is against the principles of Jainism and ahimsa.

Cucumber Chana Dal

Many seeded vegetables like eggplant (baingan) are avoided as they are considered to be the carriers of new life, owing to the fact that they have many seeds. Even though not all Jains shun eggplant, this is the general thought process behind eliminating such ingredients. Similarly, green leafy vegetables are also avoided during "chaturmaas" ie a holy observance period coinciding with the monsoon season, as the chances of mistakenly eating micro-organisms increases.

Corn Korma, Veg Makai Korma

Jainism believes in the concept of live and let live. It is all for protection of all types of organisms and promotion of sattvik lifestyle. Another reason is that all the foods we consume reflect on our behavior. Certain other things that are avoided by Jains observing a strict diet is the mixing of raw milk and pulses or eating leftover food the next day. All these rules have the same reasoning of non-violence and balanced lifestyle behind it. Even though these rules exist, not many adhere to it strictly as they only avoid onion, potato and garlic. Strict observance is not forced, but is encouraged.

Green Peas and Raw Banana Subzi, Matar Aur Kacha Kale ki Subzi

Even though it might seem like jains do not have many options, but in fact they have many options too!  Just the simple mix of vegetables with humble spices and tadkas, make for delicious subzis. Not a day passes in the Indian kitchen without preparing at least one subzi or gravy to accompany rice or rotis, so here I am going to mention a few of our favorite jain subzis and gravies.

Chawli Bean Subzi

Quick Jain Subzis

• Quick Paneer Subzi - Delicious Jain-style vegetable that is uses basic ingredients like paneer, tomato, capsicums and spices like coriander and cumin. Because the subzi is so simple, it brings out the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Chawli Bean subzi – This unique Chawli Bean Subzi is sure to please your palate with its exciting sweet, sour and spicy flavor. Since it does not utilize any root vegetables, it can be had by jains.
• Kele ki subzi – Even though jains use a lot of raw bananas in their recipes, they also make subzis with ripe bananas and a simple tadka.

Kele ki Sabzi, Banana Subzi

Unique Jain Subzis

Dishes can be prepared using a lot of tomatoes, apt spice powders and raw bananas instead of potatoes. A few recipes can even be made with unique ingredients like gathias, rotis and hara chana. Many Gujaratis even like interesting combinations! Kela Methi Nu Shaak recipe, with a rare combination of mildly-bitter methi and pleasantly-sweet bananas, brings out the best in both the ingredients. 

Roti Nu Shaak, Roti ki Sabzi

• Ganthia Nu Shaak – This unique subzi is easily made when you are out of the basic vegetables at home. The slightly tangy flavor from the curd compliments the saltiness of the gathias.
• Rotli nu shaak – It is common to have roti with subzi, but have you ever thought of making subzi out of rotis? This is not only a very different way to eat it, but is also really simple to make.
• Peru ki subzi – Just how you can add vegetables, you can also add fruits to subzis. Guava cubes are flavored with chilli powder, turmeric, mustard seeds and other spices to bring it together.

Rasawali Jain Subzis (Jain Subzis with Gravy)

Gujarati subzis do not usually have a thick gravy but some do have a thin gravy. Some of these delicious recipes are

Sev Tameta, Rasawala Sev Tameta

• Sev Tameta – This is an easy to make, sweet and tangy subzi that is very famous in the kathiawaad region. It hardly requires 5 to 6 ingredients and turns out absolutely delicious.
• Gavarfali ki subzi -  this preparation of cluster beans and curd is an absolute winner. Once you try it, this fibre and folic acid rich subzi will become a frequently repeated menu item.

Enjoy our Jain Sabzi Recipes, Jain Gravy Recipes and other Jain Recipe articles below.