8 Must-Try Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes

Have you been stuck in an endless cycle of making toasts every day for breakfast? To kickstart your day in a better mood, you’ll have to add dishes that are worth waking up for. Read on for some lip-smacking meat-free breakfast options that are perfect for vegetarians.

Did you think vegetarian breakfasts were all about jam and toast or a vegetable sandwich? Well, vegetarian breakfasts don’t have to be boring or even repetitive. As for Indian breakfast options, with a traditionally vegetarian diet, there are so many breakfast options that can be picked from each state to add both taste and nutrition to your plate.

From the South Indian staple lentil-based idli to a Punjabi serving of chole bhature, made with chickpeas, breakfasts can really make or break your day. So, whether you’re craving your comfort food, looking for a protein-packed option, or something spicy, here are some vegetarian breakfast options that no foodie can miss.

1. Chole Bhature

On the days when you just want to enjoy a wholesome breakfast, there’s nothing better than a plate of chole bhature. The popular Delhi street food has a special spot in everyone’s heart, and yes, you deserve to have chole bhature every now and then. To make a healthier version, you can prepare it with quality ingredients at home. As for chole, you can prepare a masala with chopped onions, tomatoes, ginger garlic paste, and spices like cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, chilli powder, and garam masala. Once the masala is fragrant, you can add overnight-soaked chickpeas and let them simmer till the chole absorb all the flavours. Simultaneously, you can deep-fry bhature from a maida-based dough and pair them with chole. 

Serving Tips: Serve it with a side of spiced rings of onions and your favourite achaar or chutney. You can also pair chole bhature with a glass of lassi and have a soulful brunch.

2. Masala Idli

Masala idlis are a great option for a quick and savoury breakfast as well as for a spicy evening snack. All you need to do is prepare a batter with soaked urad dal, rice, a little water, and salt. Transfer the batter to idli moulds, and steam to perfection. Once cool, chop the idlis into three or four pieces and saute them with some chopped veggies like onions, carrots, capsicum, peas, etc. In the same pan, add your favourite spice blend and mix well. And there you go, your quick and nutritious breakfast is ready to savour.

Bonus Hack: Masala idli is the perfect way to incorporate premade idlis or leftovers into a spicy breakfast.

3. Banana Pancakes

There are mornings when you don’t feel like waking up. Even on such days, instead of skipping breakfast, you can fall back on your comfort food, like the cosy banana pancakes. All you need to do to make banana pancakes is to make a consistent batter with maida, sugar, milk, mashed bananas, and vanilla essence. Heat a pan, pour a spoonful of batter, and cook the pancakes on both sides.

Garnish Well: Top off the pancakes with slices of banana and maple syrup to make your breakfast filling and finger-licking.

4. Kutchi Dabeli

Dabeli, also known as Kutchi Dabeli, is a famous street food that originated from Gujarat’s Kutch region. Resembling Mumbai’s famous vada pav, dabeli, too, is made with a potato-based filling. For the days when you want to enjoy a spicy breakfast, make dabeli. Just make a spicy potato-based mixture and put it on a sliced pav bun. Then spread a layer of imli ki chutney and hari chutney on either side of the pav bun. Top it off with roasted peanuts, sev, and pomegranate seeds.

How to make it healthier: Add a protein source like paneer, tofu, or soya chunks to the potato mixture and make your breakfast nutritious.

5. Kachori Bhaji

Another spicy option that vegetarians must try for a heavy breakfast or even brunch is kachori bhaji. The North Indian street classic not just fills but also breaks the monotony of the usual breakfast bowls. To make kachori at home, you can start by preparing a maida-based dough. Let the dough rest till you whip up a lentil or potato-based filling. Then, add a spoonful of filling to the rolled dough and deep fry in batches to make khasta kachori. As for bhaji, you’ll need chopped potatoes cooked in a gravy of tomatoes, onions, ginger and garlic paste, along with your go-to spices. 

Top pairings: Add a side of imli and mint chutney and pair the kachori bhaji with a glass of chaas (buttermilk). 

6. Dhokla

If you are looking for a healthy, light, and high-protein breakfast option, don’t miss adding the Gujarati staple dhokla to your day. Made with fermented rice and lentil-based batter, it is often spiced with green chillies and tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. If you are a vegetarian looking to add variety to your breakfast spread, the fluffy dhokla would do the trick.

Gluten-free variations: You can make dhokla with besan, moong dal, or even sooji for a gluten-free breakfast.

7. Meetha Puda

Meetha puda is a staple in Punjabi households. If you are a vegetarian and you haven’t given meetha puda a chance, this is your sign. The best part about making meetha puda is that it is super easy and quick to whip up. All you need to do is make a batter with wheat flour, sugar, milk, and cardamom. Cook batches with generous ghee until they’re golden brown, and serve with sugar syrup.

Healthy pairings: Add a bowl of paneer or tofu bhurji to make your breakfast plate healthier.

8. Parfait

Parfait is another healthy, vegetarian-friendly option for breakfast. Since a parfait can be made with yoghurt and seasonal fruits, it is the best way to get some vitamins and minerals at the start of the day. To make this French special breakfast, take some small glasses and add a layer of yoghurt as a base. Next, add a layer of granola and top it off with seasonal fruits like berries, mangoes, cherries, bananas, and grapes. Repeat the layers and garnish with honey.

Tricks to make your parfait aesthetic: Once you have added all the layers, garnish with whole strawberries or cherries, and make your breakfast Instagrammable.