Have you ever wondered how a simple grain like rice can be used as your daily delightful breakfast?
Indian cuisine is renowned for its diverse and flavourful breakfast options. Rice, a staple ingredient in many Indian households, is not just reserved for lunch or dinner but also makes for a delightful and nutritious breakfast. From steaming hot idlis to aromatic poha, here are some mouthwatering Indian breakfast recipes that will make your mornings more enjoyable and satisfying.
Idli is a quintessential South Indian breakfast dish loved by people across the country. Made from a batter of fermented rice and lentils, idlis are soft, spongy, and incredibly light. To prepare idlis, soak rice and urad dal (split black gram) separately for a few hours. Grind them into a smooth paste, mix together, and allow the batter to ferment overnight. Steam the batter in idli molds until cooked through. Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar for a complete breakfast experience.
Poha, also known as flattened rice, is a popular breakfast choice in many Indian households. It is quick and easy to prepare yet packed with flavour. To make poha, rinse the rice flakes to remove excess starch. In a pan, heat oil and temper mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and onions. Add the rinsed poha along with turmeric powder, salt, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir-fry until the poha is heated through and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with a side of crunchy sev or roasted peanuts.
Upma is a savoury breakfast dish made from semolina (rava or sooji) and vegetables. It is wholesome, filling, and perfect for a hearty start to the day. To prepare upma, roast semolina in a pan until golden brown and aromatic. In another pan, sauté onions, green chilies, and vegetables like carrots, peas, and capsicum. Add water, salt, and the roasted semolina to the pan. Cook until the upma is soft and fluffy. Garnish with grated coconut and chopped coriander before serving.
Ven Pongal is a traditional Tamil Nadu dish that combines rice and lentils in a creamy and comforting porridge-like texture. It is often served as a breakfast item during festivals and special occasions. To make Ven Pongal, cook rice and moong dal (split green gram) together until soft and mushy. In a separate pan, temper cumin seeds, black peppercorns, ginger, and curry leaves in ghee. Add the cooked rice and dal mixture to this and simmer until well combined. Serve hot with coconut chutney and a dollop of ghee.
Dosa, a popular South Indian delicacy, is a thin, crispy pancake made from a fermented rice and lentil batter. It is versatile and can be filled with various ingredients like potatoes, onions, and cheese. To prepare rice dosa, soak rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds together for a few hours. Grind into a smooth batter, ferment overnight, and thin it with water to a pouring consistency. Heat a non-stick pan, pour a ladleful of batter, and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin dosa. Cook until golden brown and serve hot with coconut chutney and spicy potato masala.
Rice-based breakfast recipes are not only delicious but also nutritious and fulfilling. These delightful Indian dishes can make your morning routine a flavour full of energy and health. Whether you prefer the softness of idlis or the crispiness of dosas, there's a rice-based breakfast option to suit every palate. Try these recipes and experience the joy of a flavourful start to your day!
