Eating is not just a necessity but often a joy amplified by the flavours, colours, and textures of different cuisines.
In this blog, we present 12 delicious and easy-to-make Jain recipes, including Jain Main Course dishes, Jain Dal, Jain Kadhi, Jain International cuisine, Jain Naashta, Jain Paryushan, Jain Pickles/Chutneys/Raita/Salad, Jain Rice, Jain Rotis, Jain Soups, and Jain Subzi/Gravies. From warm bowls of comforting Rajma Chawal to crispy samosas, these dishes will leave you with an unforgettable gastronomical experience while adhering to Jain customs. Whether you follow the Jain dietary rules or wish to explore a new cuisine, these dishes are sure to impress.
So, let’s get started with these delicious Jain recipe articles, including tasty options like Cabbage and Paneer Parathas, Green Pea Parathas, kela methi nu shaak, and other mouth-watering dishes.
12 Best Instant Jain Recipes for Dinner
Here are 12 delectable Jain recipes for dinner that you can whip up in your kitchen with ease. These recipes provide an excellent opportunity for food lovers to relish the delights of Jain cuisine, including international recipes, without compromising on taste and aroma.
Whether the comforting Rajma Chawal or the tangy Poha, each dish is unique in its flavour profile and offers a delightful culinary experience. Some must-try dishes include the Jain American Chopsuey, Cheesy Pepper Rice, and Cheesy Pepper Dip. Happy cooking!
Enjoy our list of dinner recipes for Jain below.
Rajma Chawal (Jain)
Every Indian at heart will vouch for the comforting feeling of digging into a plate of Rajma Chawal. This Jain version of Rajma Chawal is true to its traditional counterpart—it is hearty, flavorful, and soul-satisfying.
This dish is as simple as it gets – it features rajma (red kidney beans) cooked in a fragrant tomato-based gravy and served over fluffy rice.
The cooking process involves simmering the rajma until tender, preparing the aromatic gravy, and combining both. Finally, serve it with steaming hot rice. It’s a complete meal in itself, perfect for dinner.
Read how to make Rajma Chawal at home.
Jain Poha
Poha, or flattened rice, is a popular dish across India. The Jain variant of this dish excludes onion, making it both simple and delicious.
In this recipe, poha is seasoned with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and asafoetida. Crunchy peanuts are added for texture, while lemon juice gives it a delightful tanginess. Garnished with fresh coriander leaves, every spoonful of this dish bursts with flavour. Its ease of preparation and light nature make it perfect for a quick dinner meal.
Read the complete recipe of Aloo Poha here
Jain Chole Bhature
Jain Chole Bhature is a delectable combination of spicy chickpea curry and fluffy deep-fried bread. It’s a wholesome meal that is heartening and indulgent at the same time.
Cooking kabuli chana until tender, preparing a lush gravy using tomatoes and spices, mixing both, and simmering it to perfection results in a flavorful Jain Chole. When served with Bhature, fluffy deep-fried bread, and capsicum besan sabzi, it becomes an irresistible dish. Though it takes some time and effort, the result is completely worth it.
Raw Banana Coconut Sabzi (Jain Recipe)
This recipe introduces an innovative way to use raw bananas in Jain cooking. Combining raw banana with grated coconut and a medley of spices is refreshing and unique.
The bananas are cooked until soft, mixed with spices and curd, and finally topped with grated coconut, offering a balance of sweet and spicy flavours. The fresh coconut crunch and the bananas’ softness are delightful on the palate. This dish is ideal for a light dinner and can be paired beautifully with roti or rice.
Jain Lilva Beans Sabji
Lilva beans, or pigeon peas, are a winter speciality widely used in Indian cooking. This Jain Lilva Beans Sabji celebrates the earthy flavour of these beans coupled with a blend of bold Indian spices.
The recipe calls for boiling the lilva beans and then cooking them in an aromatic medley of spices. The final dish is garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves, adding colour and freshness. Packed with protein, this dish is delicious and highly healthy. It pairs well with flatbread or rice.
Jain Dabeli Canapes
A spin-off of the classic Gujarati snack, Jain Dabeli Canapes offers a promising burst of flavours. This recipe features canapes with a flavoursome mixture of cooked raw bananas, dabeli masala, and sweet chutney garnished with pomegranate seeds.
The unique combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavours marries perfectly with the crunchiness of the canapes. It is an impressive dish to serve at dinner parties and gatherings, sure to be a hit among everyone, regardless of their food preferences.
Read the recipe for Dabeli preparation here.
Jain Masala Samosa
Samosas are a beloved Indian snack, but their fillings vary greatly to suit different taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Jain Samosas, for example, use a stuffing free of onions and garlic.
These ingredients combine to create a delicious filling enveloped within a crispy pastry shell. The samosas are then deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a crunchy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior—a delightful combination. These Jain Samosas make a lovely starter at dinner parties or even a delicious light evening meal.
Learn how to make Samosa at home.
Jain Linguine Pasta with Herbs
Italian cuisine has gained worldwide popularity for its simplicity and bold flavours. This Jain Linguine Pasta with Herbs is a heartwarming dish combining Italian cooking methods with Jain dietary principles.
The linguine is cooked al dente and tossed in a flavorful mix of crushed cashews, olives, coriander, dill leaves, cheese, oregano, and black pepper. The addition of dry ginger powder adds a unique and exciting flavour twist. The result is a delightful plate of pasta that satisfies your cravings and stays true to Jain’s cooking practices.
Red Jain Sauce Pasta
If you have an appetite for something more indulgent, the Red Jain Sauce Pasta is the perfect pick. This recipe is a Jain version of the classic Italian pasta, prepared with meticulously selected ingredients to comply with Jain dietary requirements.
The pasta is cooked in a warm, refreshing red sauce made from boiled tomatoes mixed with herbs and spices. Served with crunchy celery and garnished with a dash of cheese and coriander, this pasta dish is truly a joy to devour.
Ripe Banana Jain Sabji
Another great addition to your collection of Jain food recipes for dinner is the Ripe Banana Jain Sabji. It uniquely utilises ripe bananas and transforms them into flavorful, texture-rich curry.
The bananas are cooked with aromatic spices such as mustard seeds, cumin powder, dry red chillies, coriander powder, and turmeric. A hint of lemon juice gives the curry a slight tanginess, ensuring every spoonful is packed with an explosion of flavours. This simple yet exciting recipe will be a welcome change to your dinner menu.
Jain Style Kofta Curry
Jain Kofta Curry is a beautiful dish that combines traditional koftas with potato balls. They are soft, melt-in-the-mouth, and blend perfectly with the creamy tomato gravy,
The preparation involves making soft koftas using boiled potatoes and green chillies and then dousing them in a rich and aromatic tomato gravy. Best served with roti or rice, this Jain-style Kofta Curry is bound to leave you craving more.
Read how to make Kofta at home
Spiny Gourd Jain Sabji
The Spiny Gourd Jain Sabji uses spiny gourd as the main ingredient. It’s cooked with chopped tomatoes and aromatic spices like turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder, and it’s garnished with fresh coriander.
This sabzi is light yet packed with flavour. It is perfect for those who enjoy the fresh taste of vegetables, highlighted by an assortment of spices. It pairs well with any Indian flatbread for a simple and nutritious dinner.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a staunch follower of Jain dietary rules or love exploring new cuisines, there’s something for everyone within Jain cuisine. This selection of easy Jain recipes for dinner can help you whip up a variety of tasty and wholesome meals right in your kitchen. From the comforting Rajma Chawal to the innovative Raw Banana with Coconut Sabji, these dishes are a testament to the diversity and richness of Jain cuisine. They skillfully navigate the restrictions of the Jain diet and offer delightful culinary experiences. So, challenge yourself to step out of your cooking comfort zone and dive into the fascinating flavours and techniques of Jain cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jain’s special food?
Unique Jain dishes include variants of popular Indian dishes infusing interesting ingredients like raw bananas, lilva beans, and spiny gourd. They retain the wholesome and aromatic essence for which Indian cuisine is known despite the dietary restrictions.
What is a typical Jain meal?
A typical Jain meal includes grains, pulses, vegetables, and dairy products without root vegetables and certain spices. It can range from simple khichdi and dhoklas to complex curries and paneer dishes.
What is the Jain Hindu meal?
Jain Hindu meals are prepared in line with Jain dietary principles. This means they exclude root vegetables, like onions and garlic, and embrace vegetarian ingredients that minimise harm to other living organisms.
What is the Jain food list vegetarian?
The Jain food list includes grains, pulses, fruits, and vegetables—except root vegetables. Dairy products are also consumed, but vegan Jains may avoid them.