Indian Breakfast Recipes You Can Make with Minimal Ingredients

Indian cuisine is known for its robust flavors and diverse dishes. Many traditional Indian breakfasts are not only delicious but can also be prepared with minimal ingredients. If you’re looking for quick and easy Indian breakfast recipes that don’t require a long grocery list, you’re in the right place. Here are some simple yet flavorful ideas.

1. Poha

Poha is a popular dish made from flattened rice. It’s light, nutritious, and quick to prepare. All you need is:

• 2 cups flattened rice (poha)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
• Mustard seeds, turmeric powder, and salt to taste
• Cilantro for garnishing (optional)

To make poha, rinse the flattened rice and set it aside. Heat some oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter. Add chopped onions and chilies, sauté until the onions are translucent, then add turmeric and salt. Finally, mix in the poha and serve garnished with cilantro.

2. Besan Chilla

Besan chilla is a savory gram flour pancake that is easy to whip up. Ingredients needed:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
• Water to make a batter
• Salt to taste

Mix the gram flour, salt, and enough water to form a pancake batter. Add onions and chilies. Heat a little oil in a pan, pour in the batter, and cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve with chutney or yogurt.

3. Upma

Upma is a savory semolina dish that can be customized with whatever you have on hand. Basic ingredients include:

• 1 cup semolina (rava)
• 1 onion, chopped
• Mustard seeds and urad dal (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Water (2 cups)

Roast the semolina until light golden and set aside. In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, and urad dal (if using). Add onions and cook until soft. Pour in the water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Gradually add the roasted semolina while stirring. Cook until the water is absorbed and serve hot.

4. Aloo Paratha

Aloo paratha is a stuffed flatbread that can be prepared without much hassle. Key ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 boiled potatoes, mashed
• Salt to taste
• Oil or ghee for cooking

Mix the flour with water to form a dough. Mash the boiled potatoes and mix in salt. Roll out a portion of the dough, fill it with the potato mixture, and seal it. Roll again to flatten and cook on a hot griddle with oil until golden brown on both sides. Serve with yogurt or pickle.

5. Idli

Idli is a steamed rice cake that is soft, fluffy, and ideal for breakfast. To make idlis, you’ll need:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup split black gram (urad dal)
• Salt to taste

Soak rice and urad dal separately for few hours. Grind to a coarse batter and combine them with salt. Let the mixture ferment overnight. Pour the batter into idli molds and steam for about 10-12 minutes. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.

6. Instant Oats Dosa

This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is full of fiber. Ingredients needed:

• 1 cup instant oats
• ½ cup yogurt
• Water to thin the batter
• Salt to taste

Grind the oats into a fine powder. Mix the oat flour with yogurt and enough water to make a batter. Add salt. Heat a non-stick