Wholesome Indian Breakfast Recipes For A Flavourful Start

Whether it’s a plate of spicy chole bhature from North India or a nutritious serving of idlis paired with sambar from the Southern parts of India, each region has its staple breakfast that you can enjoy. Read on for some traditional breakfast recipes that will keep your tummy happy.

Pancakes topped with honey and chopped fruits or a bowl of cereal will come and go. But at the heart of a satisfying meal, you know only a plate filled with Indian classics like parathas, idlis, or thepla can give you the best headstart to a busy weekday. Since most of the ingredients of a typical Indian breakfast include a filling grain, a protein source, and assorted veggies, it helps you stay full for a longer period of time.

So, if you want to get over the toasted bread with a jam or cheese spread or the same old cereal, this is just the right article for you. Giving you the warmth of a meal that is sure to remind you of your childhood days when your mother or grandmother used to pack your tiffins, these Indian breakfast recipes are sure to give you the proper kickstart.

Chilla

Chilla is a traditional Indian breakfast option that can be made with a variety of flours and batters. Whether you want to make the classic besan chilla or a gluten-based chilla with millets, all you need to do is mix the flour with a little water. Then, mix in chopped onions, green chillies, assorted veggies, and a blend of spices. Next, take a non-stick pan, pour some of it into the pan and let it spread out in a circle. Let the bottom layer cook, and then flip and wait till the other side is crispy as well. Take it out on a plate within a few minutes and serve the chilla with curd and a chutney.

Paratha

The Punjabi staple parathas are no longer limited to North India. With a broad appeal, you can even find parathas to be a part of International buffets. Based on your preference, you can choose a filling for your paratha. For example, you can make aloo paratha, paneer paratha, dal paratha, gobi paratha, mixed paratha, and so on. After deciding, you can knead a dough with wheat flour, water, spices, and chopped vegetables based on your choice of filling. You can then pair your paratha with curd and pickles, and relish your wholesome breakfast.

Misal Pav

If you are someone who loves to have something spicy breakfast, misal pav would be perfect for you. The Maharashtrian favourite misal pav is not only sumptuous but also highly nutritious. Since the misal is made with matki, viz, sprouted moth beans cooked in a gravy made with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, the South Indian staple ensures your breakfast is healthy. Usually topped with farsan, chopped onions, and coriander leaves, you can pair the spicy misal with toasted pav and lemon on the side.

Chole Bhature

Another North Indian classic that you can make for a heavy breakfast is chole bhature. To make chole, chane or chickpeas, start by soaking them overnight. Then, 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 the chickpeas and let them simmer till the chole absorbs all the flavours. After your aromatic chole are ready, make a dough with maida, water, and oil, and deep-fry to make crispy bhature. Pair chole bhature with raita and chutney, and dig in.

Poha

Poha, the South Indian staple, is not only a healthy breakfast option but also can be quickly whipped up when you don’t have the time. All you need to do to make poha is rinse it quickly under water and set it aside for some time. Next, saute mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions, peas, peanuts, and your masalas in a pan. Once aromatic, you can take some vegetables like peas, carrots, cauliflower, potato, etc, and cook them till soft. Finally, mix in poha, add a squeeze of lemon, garnish with pomegranate seeds, and sev, and serve it hot.

Anda Bhurji

The Indian version of scrambled eggs, anda bhurji, is a wholesome breakfast option that can be whipped up in no time. You can start by sautéing chopped onions, green chillies, and tomatoes. Once soft, you can mix in spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chilli powder, salt, etc. Then, crack open two to three eggs and scramble them till you get a soft and fluffy bhurji. Made in just ten to fifteen minutes, you can add anda bhurji to your sandwich, rolls, or wraps, or even pair it with a paratha or thepla. Whether you’re running late to work or are in no mood to cook, you can always turn to egg bhurji for a quick and healthy fix.

Methi Thepla

Thepla is another wholesome and healthy Gujarati breakfast option that can be quickly prepared. Traditionally made with whole wheat flour, fenugreek leaves (methi), curd, and a blend of spices, thepla will only take about fifteen minutes of cooking time. You can garnish the thepla with ghee and serve with a bowl of curd and a side of achaar. If in a jiffy, you can simply roll the thepla and have it while driving to work.

Idli Sambar

Last but not least, one of the most popular breakfast options is idli and sambar. No South Indian breakfast spread is complete without fluffy idlis, a bowl of sambar, and a side of coconut chutney. Since idlis are super versatile and can be made with a range of ingredients like rice, lentils, suji, ragi, bajra, and so on, it is one of the best breakfast choices for health-conscious people. Also, pairing it with lentils and vegetable-based sambar adds to the nutritional value of your first meal of the day.