Jain-Style Cabbage and Peas Subzi
A simple, light, and low-calorie Jain-friendly dish made without onions or garlic.
This is a light no-onion/no-garlic sabzi that works with roti, dal, rice, or as a side in a larger thali. Cabbage gives volume, peas add sweetness, and the tempering carries most of the flavor.
Because the ingredient list is short, cooking texture matters. Keep the cabbage slightly tender rather than mushy unless you prefer a softer homestyle sabzi.
Nutrition
Per 1 serving (about half recipe)
- Calories
- 145 kcal
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbs
- 18 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 7 g
Dietary
plant based · jain · no onion no garlic · gluten free
Protein sources
peas
Ingredients
- 12 cups Cabbage, finely chopped
- 21/2 cup Green Peas
- 31/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 41/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 51/4 tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
- 61/2 tsp Turmeric
- 71 tbsp Oil
- 8Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Add cumin seeds and hing.
Keep the heat moderate so the spices bloom without burning. Curry leaves or grated ginger can be added here if you use them.
- 2
Add chopped cabbage and green peas. Saute for 2 minutes.
A short saute helps the cabbage lose its raw smell before steaming.
- 3
Add turmeric and salt. Mix well.
Add chilli powder, coriander powder, or black pepper if you want more heat.
- 4
Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
Cook less for crunch and longer for a softer sabzi. If the pan dries out, sprinkle a little water instead of adding more oil.
- 5
Serve hot with phulkas.
Pair with dal, tofu, chana, or peanut curd if this needs to become a higher-protein meal.
Vegetable swaps
- Use carrot, beans, capsicum, cauliflower, or bottle gourd with the same basic tempering.
- Replace peas with sprouts, edamame, or boiled chana if you want more protein.
- Add grated coconut at the end for a South Indian-style finish.
No-onion flavor boosters
- Use hing, ginger, curry leaves, lemon, roasted cumin, or coriander to keep the sabzi lively.
- A small spoon of peanut powder or sesame powder can add richness.
- Finish with lemon only after turning off the heat so the flavor stays fresh.
Used in diet plans
This recipe can fill a meal slot in these day plans.
- High-Protein Diet — Muscle gain / high protein
- Weight Loss Diet — Fat loss with adequate protein
- Budget Diet — Affordable balanced eating
- Simple Beginner Plan — Build consistent eating habits