When in Tamil Nadu, try these dishes
What's the story
When it comes to vegetarian breakfasts, Tamil Nadu takes the cake! Rich in tradition and flavor, these rice and lentil-based meals are delicious as well as nutritious. From crispy dosas to soft idlis served with accompaniments like coconut chutney and sambar, Tamil Nadu's vegetarian breakfasts are absolute favorites. This culinary exploration into the state's diverse cuisine is sure to delight anyone interested in food culture.
Steamed dish
Idli: A steamed delight
Idli is a staple breakfast item in Tamil Nadu, prepared with fermented rice and lentil batter. The steamed dish is light yet filling, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals. Usually served with coconut chutney and sambar, idlis are easy to digest and deliver essential nutrients like carbohydrates and proteins.
Crispy crepes
Dosa: Crispy crepes of South India
Another popular breakfast option is dosa, which is similar to thin crepes of fermented rice and urad dal batter. Crispiness is what dosa is famous for and you can either eat it plain or stuffed with spiced potato filling, called masala dosa. It goes well with chutneys and sambar, making for a delicious combination of flavors.
Rice dish
Pongal: Comforting rice dish
Pongal is a comforting dish prepared from rice and moong dal boiled together with spices like black pepper, cumin seeds, ginger, and curry leaves. Often garnished with cashews fried in ghee, this savory porridge-like meal is bound to bring you warmth on cooler mornings, besides being rich in protein.
Semolina porridge
Upma: Semolina savory porridge
Upma is made by roasting semolina till golden brown and cooking it into a thick porridge-like consistency with vegetables like peas or carrots, tempered by mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, adding a mild, spicy tinge to it. Perfect with coconut chutney, which makes it taste better without overpowering it. Its simplicity makes upma versatile anytime, particularly breakfast time when you need a quick, healthy meal the most.