A meal according to Jains - April 29th @ 5 PM

CHC Chicago Foodways Roundtable

A meal according to Jains: Vegetarians among Vegetarians
Arranged by
Colleen Taylor Sen, Ph.D.

Saturday, April 29th, 2006
5 PM
Village Hut
130 E. Army Trail Rd.
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
(630) 893-5800
Cost: $23.

Please reserve by April 24th

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
Khandvi
Dhokla
Leelva Kachori, pigeon peas

Vegetables
Stuffed Okra
Shev Tomatoes
Turya Patra
Urad dal
Another vegetable, depending on availability

Accompaniments
Millet flour bread (bajri rotla)
Wheat Paratha
Buttermilk
Kichiri, split moong dal and rice
Kari (yogurt and gram flour)
Pickle
Papad
Walnut mohanthal
Sweets

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.

If you have any questions, then please either post below, PM or e-mail [email protected]. Your reservation will be confirmed by check with payment instructions to be advised by return PM or e-mail.

I am in for one.

My thanks to you, Cathy, and Dr. Sen for putting this together.

pd

Cathy,

I am sending in the check today. Who else is going? This seems to be the perfect group event for some of the vegetarians in the group.

pd

pdaane!

Thanks for the check and the reminder.

We have a dozen people attending so far and growing day by day. While I need to give the restaurant an estimate by Monday of next week. I have to provide a final count next Wednesday, so there is some time left.

Regards,

Cathy2,

What's your count for the Jains-style dinner. For a good mix of religeon, food and politics, you can't beat this event.

Are we allowed to wear bug catcher mouth guards?

pd

HI,

We are 14 people strong! For most of this will be a once in a lifetime event.

Are we allowed to wear bug catcher mouth guards?

You may dress as authentic or inauthentic as you care to!

Regards,

Hey wait a minute...the really devout go neck-id

pd