Answer

Plain idly and dosa can be Jain, but only if they are made without non-Jain ingredients.

Traditionally, idly and dosa batter is made from:

• Rice
• Urad dal
• Water
• Salt

These ingredients are generally acceptable in Jain food.

Important Jain Considerations

Idly or dosa is not Jain if it contains or is served with:

• Onion
• Garlic
• Potato masala
• Carrot, beetroot, or other root vegetables
• Fermented batter kept for too long or handled carelessly
• Chutney or sambar containing onion, garlic, potato, or root vegetables

About Fermentation

Idly and dosa batter is usually fermented. Different Jain families and traditions follow this differently:

• Some Jains accept freshly fermented idly/dosa batter.
• Some stricter Jains avoid fermented foods.
• Many avoid eating such foods after sunset.

So it depends on the level of Jain dietary observance followed.

Takeaway

Plain idly and plain dosa can be Jain if prepared without onion, garlic, root vegetables, and with proper Jain food discipline. Always check the batter, chutney, and sambar ingredients.