Vegetarian Delights: Easy and Healthy Indian Breakfast Recipes
Indian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and diverse ingredients, especially when it comes to vegetarian dishes. Breakfast, the most important meal of the day, can be both nutritious and delicious. Here, we explore some easy and healthy Indian breakfast recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you energized throughout the day.
1. Vegetable Upma
Upma is a savory dish made primarily from semolina (rava) and is often enriched with various vegetables. It is quick to prepare and can be customized based on the vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup semolina (rava)
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1/2 cup peas
– 1 green chili, slit
– 1 tsp mustard seeds
– 1 tsp urad dal (optional)
– 2 tbsp oil
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add urad dal and sauté until golden.
2. Add chopped onions, green chili, and diced vegetables. Sauté until vegetables are cooked.
3. Add water and salt to the pan and bring it to a boil.
4. Slowly add semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens.
5. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
2. Poha
Poha, made from flattened rice, is another popular breakfast dish in India. This dish is not just easy to make but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup poha (flattened rice)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 potato, diced
– 1/2 cup peas (optional)
– 1-2 green chilies, chopped
– 1 tsp mustard seeds
– 1 tbsp oil
– Salt to taste
– Lemon juice and coriander for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the poha in water and drain. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter. Then add chopped onions, green chilies, and diced potatoes. Cook until potatoes are tender.
3. Add peas and drained poha to the mixture and stir well.
4. Season with salt and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with lemon juice and coriander.
3. Besan Cheela
Besan cheela is a savory pancake made from gram flour (besan) and is loaded with vegetables. This dish is high in protein and makes for a filling breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup gram flour (besan)
– 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 tomato, finely chopped
– 1 green chili, chopped
– 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
– Salt to taste
– Oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix gram flour, water, chopped vegetables, and salt to form a smooth batter.
2. Heat a non-stick pan and drizzle a little oil.
3. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it to form a pancake.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Serve hot with green chutney or yogurt.
4. Oats Idli
Idli is a traditional South Indian steamed rice cake that can be made healthier by using oats. This nutritious dish is a great way to start your day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup oats
– 1/2 cup yogurt
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/2 cup grated carrot
– 1/2 cup chopped spinach
– 1 tsp baking soda
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Grind the oats into a fine powder and mix with yogurt and water to form a batter.
2. Add grated carrot, chopped spinach, salt, and baking soda to the batter and mix well.
3. Grease idli molds and pour the batter into them.
4. Steam for about 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve with coconut chutney or sambar.
5. Dahi Puri
Dahi puri is a delightful and healthy snack that can be enjoyed for breakfast. It features crispy puris filled with yogurt and topped with various chutneys.
Ingredients:
– 10-12 puris (hollow crisp shells)
– 1 cup yogurt, whisked
– 1/2 cup boiled potatoes, mashed
– 1/4 cup tamarind chutney
– 1/4 cup mint chutney
– Chaat masala to taste
– Sev (crispy noodles) for topping
– Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions:
1. Carefully break the top of each puri to create an opening.
2. Fill each puri with mashed potatoes and a spoonful of whisked yogurt.
3. Drizzle tamarind and mint chutney over the filled puris.
4. Sprinkle chaat masala and top with sev and coriander.
5. Serve immediately for a burst of flavors!
Conclusion
These vegetarian Indian breakfast recipes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrition. Incorporating these dishes into your morning routine will provide a healthy start to your day, ensuring you’re ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and delightful textures of these Indian breakfast delights!
