How to Make Simple Indian Breakfasts for Beginners

Indian cuisine offers a rich variety of flavors and dishes, providing ample options for breakfast. If you're just starting to explore the world of Indian cooking, this guide will help you prepare simple Indian breakfasts that are both delicious and easy to make.

1. Poha (Flattened Rice)

Poha is a popular breakfast dish made with flattened rice, spices, and vegetables. It's quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup poha, 1 onion (chopped), 1 potato (diced), 1-2 green chilies, curry leaves, 1 tsp mustard seeds, salt, turmeric powder, and cilantro for garnish.

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the poha in water and let it drain.
  2. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add curry leaves, chopped onion, and green chilies.
  3. Next, add the diced potato and cook until soft. Stir in turmeric and salt.
  4. Add the rinsed poha and mix well. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

2. Upma (Savory Semolina Porridge)

Upma is a savory dish made with semolina and a mix of vegetables. It's nutritious and filling.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup semolina, 1 onion (chopped), 1 carrot (grated), green peas, 1-2 green chilies, 1 tsp mustard seeds, salt, curry leaves, and lemon juice.

Instructions:

  1. Dry roast the semolina in a pan until it turns light golden. Set aside.
  2. In the same pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add curry leaves, chopped onions, green chilies, and grated carrot.
  3. Add the peas and sauté for a few minutes. Then, stir in 2 cups of water and salt.
  4. Once the water boils, slowly add the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  5. Cover and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes. Add lemon juice before serving.

3. Aloo Paratha (Potato Stuffed Flatbread)

Aloo paratha is a delicious stuffed bread filled with spiced mashed potatoes, perfect for a hearty breakfast.

  • Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 large potato (boiled and mashed), 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and salt.

Instructions:

  1. Mix the whole wheat flour with a pinch of salt and enough water to form a soft dough. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, combine the mashed potato, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.
  3. Divide the dough and potato mixture into equal portions. Roll out one dough ball, place a portion of potato filling in the center, and seal it.
  4. Roll it out gently into a flatbread. Cook on a hot griddle, applying a bit of oil or ghee until golden brown on both sides.
  5. Serve with yogurt or pickle.

4. Idli (Steamed Rice Cakes)

Idli is a soft and fluffy steamed cake made from fermented rice and lentils, ideal for a light and healthy breakfast.

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

Instructions:

  1. Soak rice and urad dal separately for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain and blend them to a smooth batter using a little water.
  2. Mix the rice and dal batters together in a bowl, adding salt, and let it ferment overnight.
  3. Grease idli molds and pour the batter into each mold.
  4. Steam for about 10-12 minutes until cooked. Serve hot