5 must-try breakfasts from Odisha
What's the story
Oriya cuisine presents a wonderful selection of breakfast options that are delicious and healthy too. Famous for its simplicity and fresh ingredients, Oriya breakfasts make for a colorful morning. From savory pancakes to sweet delicacies, these dishes showcase the rich culinary culture of Odisha. Try these traditional breakfasts to spice up your mornings with amazing flavors and textures.
Fermented rice
Pakhala bhata: A refreshing rice dish
If you are from an Oriya household, you must be well aware of what pakhala bhata is. The dish is a summer staple in many Oriya homes. It comprises of fermented rice soaked in water overnight, and is mostly served with curd/yogurt. Popular for its cooling properties, it usually comes along with vegetables or fried items. The fermentation adds to its nutritious value, making it a healthy breakfast option.
Flattened rice
Chuda santula: Flattened rice delight
Chuda santula is a dish made from flattened rice along with vegetables and spices. This dish is light but filling, giving you all the essential nutrients without being heavy on your stomach. One can quickly prepare chuda santula by sauteing flattened rice with onions, green chilies, and seasonal vegetables. Chuda santula makes for a great option if you want a quick yet wholesome breakfast.
Lentil mix
Dalma: Lentil-based breakfast option
Dalma is a lentil stew with vegetables like pumpkin, papaya, and potatoes cooked together with spices like cumin and mustard seeds. This wholesome dish provides the protein of lentils and vitamins of vegetables. Dalma can be eaten on its own or with steamed rice or roti for a heavier meal.
Sweet pancakes
Kakara pitha: Sweet coconut pancakes
Kakara pitha are sweet pancakes prepared with semolina or wheat flour, stuffed with coconut stuffing, flavored with cardamom powder and jaggery syrup. The pancakes are shallow-fried on both sides until golden brown and served hot as a part of a breakfast spread with tea or coffee.
Semolina dish
Upma: Semolina savory delight
Upma is another popular choice among Oriya breakfasts. Semolina is cooked along with mustard seeds, curry leaves, peanuts, ginger, green chilies, onions, tomatoes, peas, and carrots. This makes a savory, porridge-like consistency, which tastes amazing with chutneys, pickles, and curd. It provides a balanced nutrition and energy boost mornings require.