The Ahimsa cookbook, online
Most Jains are vegetarian. Relatively few are vegan. These are recipes from our community for the part of the journey that dairy makes hardest. They are written by the people who cook them, and all of them work during Paryushan and Das Lakshan.
Start here
Almond Milk
While switching to a plant-based diet, the first alternative we often look for is a substitute for dairy or cow’s milk. Many of us are used to drinking milk daily, either on its own, as a milkshake, in tea or coffee, in desserts, or in various other dishes. The thought of “life without milk” can be overwhelming. However, today we know that we are loaded with options when it comes to plant-based milks. Let’s try homemade almond milk.
Paryushan & Das Lakshan
All 114 of them. No dairy, no vegetables, no fresh herbs, no yeast. The whole archive is written for the parva, so you are not reading ingredient lists at six in the morning wondering what you are allowed to cook.
Dairy Alternatives
A typical Burmese tofu is made using water, gram flour (ground yellow split peas & chickpeas), salt, and turmeric. Though this recipe has a few extra spices, the outcome is a versatile soy-free/dairy-free alternative that can be used in many dishes. It is quite simple to make, doesn’t require any fancy equipment, and is also budget-friendly!
Snacks
Extremely easy and Protein packed dish
Condiments & Masalas
A perfect condiment to have with Idlis, Dhoklas, Utthapam, and Dosas.
Meals
An easy dosa-like breakfast option with added protein.
Desserts
This is a very easy, healthy, and classic chia pudding recipe. These small, flat, and shiny seeds are tiny in shape, yet packed with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients.
Dairy Alternatives
An easy vegan cheese recipe which is simply delicious. This is the basic cheese recipe. This recipe can be modified as per requirement of the dish by adding various spices.
Snacks
Delicious and very easy to make snack.
Condiments & Masalas
A super simple seasoning mix filled with Italian flavors. The perfect blend to add to pastas, soups, sauces, and dips.
Meals
Spiced and flavorful parathas made with wheat & Gram/chickpea flour.
Desserts
This recipe is one of the easiest desserts you could make in little or no time.
Dairy Alternatives
Simple yet creamy cashew sauce that you can make in minutes. It is incredibly versatile and can be paired with pretty much anything!
Snacks
Make-ahead granola for breakfast or include it in your lunch with any plant-based milk as a replacement of fruit salad!