How to Make Classic Indian Breakfasts with Easy-to-Find Ingredients

Indian breakfasts are a delightful mix of flavors, nutrients, and aromas that can set a positive tone for the day ahead. With the growing trend of healthy eating and the easy availability of ingredients, making a classic Indian breakfast at home is simple and achievable. Here are some popular Indian breakfast recipes using easy-to-find ingredients.

1. Poha (Flattened Rice)

Poha is a traditional dish made from flattened rice, often flavored with spices and vegetables. It’s light yet filling and can be prepared in under 20 minutes.

  • Ingredients: 2 cups poha, 1 onion (finely chopped), 1 potato (diced), 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, green chillies (to taste), curry leaves, salt, and coriander leaves for garnish.

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the poha in cold water and drain it. Keep it aside.
  2. In a pan, heat some oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add curry leaves, chopped onions, and green chillies.
  3. Add diced potatoes and cook until soft. Then, mix in turmeric powder and salt.
  4. Carefully fold in the rinsed poha and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

2. Aloo Paratha (Potato Stuffed Flatbread)

Aloo Paratha is a North Indian favorite featuring a spiced potato filling, perfect for a hearty breakfast.

  • Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour, 2 large potatoes (boiled and mashed), cumin powder, red chili powder, salt, and ghee or oil for cooking.

Instructions:

  1. Make a dough by kneading the whole wheat flour with water and a pinch of salt. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls. Roll out one ball into a small circle, add a spoonful of the potato mixture, and fold the edges over to seal it.
  4. Roll it out gently into a flat circle and cook on a hot griddle with ghee or oil until both sides are golden brown.
  5. Serve hot with yogurt or pickle.

3. Idli (Steamed Rice Cakes)

Idli is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter, served with chutney and sambar.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram), salt, and water.

Instructions:

  1. Soak the rice and urad dal separately for 4-6 hours. Then, grind them both into a smooth batter, mixing them together in equal parts.
  2. Add salt to the batter and let it ferment overnight in a warm place.
  3. Prepare the idli steamer and grease the idli molds.
  4. Pour the fermented batter into the molds and steam for about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar.

4. Masala Dosa (Spiced Crepes)

Masala Dosa is another South Indian classic that features a crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with spiced potatoes.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1/4 cup urad dal, salt, 2 potatoes (boiled and spiced), and oil for cooking.

Instructions:

  1. Soak the rice and urad dal for 4-6 hours and grind them into a smooth batter.
  2. Ferment the batter overnight. Add salt as needed.
  3. In a separate bowl, mash boiled potatoes and mix with spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and turmeric.
  4. Heat a non-stick pan and spread a ladleful of batter into a round