Jain Vegetarian Ô Mai

Ingredients

The Jain Vegetarian Ô Mai differs from the original Vietnamese version by omitting the fish sauce and shrimp paste, which are not suitable for Jain vegetarianism. Instead, a blend of Jain-friendly spices is used to enhance the flavor. Additionally, the choice of dried fruits may vary to suit Jain dietary preferences. We alse have the original recipe for Ô mai, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (300g) dried apricots 2 cups (300g) dried apricots
• 1 cup (150g) dried plums 1 cup (150g) dried plums
• 1 cup (150g) dried mangoes 1 cup (150g) dried mangoes
• 1 cup (150g) dried pineapple 1 cup (150g) dried pineapple
• 1 cup (150g) dried cranberries 1 cup (150g) dried cranberries
• 1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon black salt 1 teaspoon black salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 teaspoon fennel seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 50g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine all the dried fruits and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, black salt, black pepper, cumin powder, ginger powder, chili powder, and fennel seeds.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the spice mixture over the dried fruits and toss well to coat evenly.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   The next day, transfer the fruit mixture to a large pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruits have softened and the mixture has thickened.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, transfer the Jain Vegetarian Ô Mai to sterilized jars and store in a cool, dry place.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried fruits — Ensure that the dried fruits are of good quality and free from any added sugars or preservatives.
• Black salt — Use black salt sparingly as it has a strong flavor. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.
• Spices — Feel free to adjust the spice quantities to suit your desired level of heat and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder.
• Experiment with different combinations of dried fruits to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Store the Jain Vegetarian Ô Mai in airtight containers to maintain its freshness for a longer period.
• Serve as a snack or use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt.
• This fruit preserve also makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.

Serving advice

Serve the Jain Vegetarian Ô Mai in small bowls or jars, allowing guests to enjoy it as a standalone snack or as a topping for other dishes.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Jain Vegetarian Ô Mai with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves.