How to Make Indian Breakfasts with Minimal Ingredients

Indian breakfasts are known for their rich flavors and diverse ingredients, but you can create delicious dishes with minimal ingredients. This guide will help you whip up satisfying Indian breakfasts using just a few staple items.

1. Poha (Flattened Rice)

Poha is a popular breakfast dish made with flattened rice, and it requires very few ingredients.

• 1 cup poha (flattened rice)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
Rinse the poha in water and let it sit for a few minutes. In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions and green chilies until the onions are translucent. Add the poha and salt, mixing well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is combined. Garnish with coriander leaves if desired.

2. Besan Chilla (Gram Flour Pancakes)

Besan chilla is a savory pancake made from gram flour and can be prepared quickly.

• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Water to make the batter
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:
In a bowl, mix besan, chopped onion, green chilies, and salt. Gradually add water to form a smooth batter. Heat a pan with a little oil, pour a ladle of batter, and spread it evenly. Cook until both sides are golden brown. Serve hot with chutney or yogurt.

3. Upma (Savory Semolina Porridge)

Upma is a comforting and quick dish made from semolina, and it’s exceptionally easy to prepare.

• 1 cup semolina (rava)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:
In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions and green chilies until translucent. Add semolina and roast it lightly for about 2-3 minutes. Pour in water and add salt, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Cook until the semolina is fluffy and well-cooked.

4. Dalia (Broken Wheat Porridge)

Dalia is a nutritious porridge made from broken wheat and is simple and wholesome.

• 1 cup broken wheat (dalia)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions and green chilies until soft. Add broken wheat and roast it for a few minutes. Pour in water and add salt. Cook until the dalia is soft and has absorbed the water. Serve with yogurt or pickles.

5. Idli with Coconut Chutney

Idli is a classic South Indian breakfast that can also be made easily with minimal ingredients.

• 1 cup idli rice or parboiled rice
• ½ cup urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Water as needed

Instructions:
Soak rice and urad dal separately for 4-6 hours. Drain and blend to a smooth batter, adding water as needed. Mix in salt and let it ferment overnight. Pour the batter into idli molds and steam for about 12-15 minutes. Serve hot with coconut chutney, which you can make with just grated coconut and salt.

These simple breakfast recipes not only showcase the variety of Indian cuisine but also cater