Arranged by
Colleen Taylor Sen, Ph.D.
Village Hut
130 E. Army Trail Rd.
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
(630) 893-5800
The only religion in the world that is unconditionally vegetarian is Jainism, one of the eight religions of India. Jainism developed what is now northern India in the 6th century BCE and today has several million adherents. The cardinal rule of Jainism is ahimsa, translated as noninjury or nonviolence, which was adopted by Mahatma Gandhi.
Jains not only do not eat meat, fish, or eggs; they also avoid a myriad of other foods, including those whose production kills the entire plant, harms microscopic organisms, or destroys the germs of future life. As a result, most Jains avoid honey, fruits and vegetables with many little seeds (e.g., eggplant, figs), underground roots (potatoes, carrots, etc.), mushrooms, garlic, onions, and alcohol. Nonetheless, Jain meals can be extremely delicious, since over the centuries cooks have learned to make the most of grains and vegetables.
This meal will feature typical Jain dishes from the western Indian state of Gujarat, home to many Jains. Rajan Chokshi, owner of Village Hut restaurant, will discuss the dishes.
Appetizers Accompaniments
Khandvi Millet flour bread (bajri rotla)
Dhokla Wheat Paratha
Leelva Kachori, pigeon peas Buttermilk
Kichiri, split moong dal and rice
Vegetables Kari (yogurt and gram flour)
Stuffed Okra Pickle
Shev Tomatoes Papad
Turya Patra Walnut mohanthal
Urad dal Sweets
Another vegetable, depending on availability
Dr. Colleen Taylor Sen is the author of Food Culture in India and many articles on Indian food. She is a regular contributor to the Oxford Food Symposia.