Breakfast delights: 5 Indian porridges you'll love
What's the story
Indian breakfasts are a delightful mix of flavors and textures, with porridges being a staple in many households. These dishes are not just filling but also packed with nutrients, making them an ideal start to the day. From rice-based to lentil-based, each porridge has its own unique taste and health benefits. Here are five traditional Indian breakfast porridges that can add variety and nutrition to your morning routine.
Dish 1
Poha: Flattened rice delight
Poha is a popular breakfast option in many parts of India. Prepared from flattened rice, it is light on the stomach and easy to digest. Usually cooked with turmeric, mustard seeds, and vegetables such as peas or potatoes, poha is both savory and satisfying. It is commonly garnished with coriander leaves and lemon juice for an added zest. Poha provides carbohydrates for energy and can be made in under 20 minutes.
Dish 2
Upma: Semolina savory
Upma is another beloved South Indian breakfast porridge made from semolina (rava or sooji). The dish is prepared by roasting semolina and cooking it with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, onions, and vegetables like carrots or beans. Upma has a coarse texture and is often served hot with coconut chutney or pickle on the side. This dish is rich in iron and fiber, making it a healthy option.
Dish 3
Khichdi: Comforting lentil-rice mix
Khichdi is a comforting dish made by cooking rice with lentils (dal) in a porridge-like consistency. Spiced mildly with cumin seeds or asafoetida (hing), khichdi can be customized with vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition. It is usually served with yogurt or pickle on the side for flavor enhancement. Khichdi is easy on the stomach, making it perfect for light meals.
Dish 4
Sabudana khichdi: Tapioca pearls treat
Sabudana khichdi features tapioca pearls soaked overnight, then stir-fried with peanuts, green chilies, potatoes, and cumin seeds. This is especially popular during fasting days, as it's light yet energizing. The dish has a unique chewy texture, complemented by crunchy peanuts, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Dish 5
Dalia: Broken wheat goodness
Dalia, or broken wheat porridge, is prepared by simmering broken wheat with water or milk until it reaches a creamy consistency. It can be sweetened with jaggery and flavored with cardamom, or made savory with vegetables and spices. Dalia is high in fiber, which promotes digestion and keeps you full longer than refined grains, making it an ideal choice for breakfast.