Uttarakhand mornings: Must-try breakfast dishes
What's the story
Uttarakhand, located in the northern part of India, serves a range of unique, nutritious, and tasty breakfast dishes. Prepared with locally available ingredients, these traditional meals make for a wholesome start to the day. From hearty grains to vibrant spices, the dishes are a reflection of the region's rich culinary heritage. Exploring these breakfast options can give you a delightful insight into Uttarakhand's diverse food culture.
Spicy potatoes
Aloo ke gutke: A spicy potato delight
Another delectable breakfast dish from Uttarakhand is aloo ke gutke. Made with boiled potatoes seasoned with local spices such as cumin and coriander, this simple yet flavorful dish is often served with puris or chapatis. The use of mustard oil gives it an authentic touch and enhances its taste and aroma. A staple in many households, it gives an energetic start to the day.
Sweet millet
Jhangora ki kheer: Sweet millet pudding
Jhangora ki kheer is a delicious sweet pudding of barnyard millet, locally called jhangora. This creamy dessert-like dish is made by cooking millet in milk and sweetening it with sugar or jaggery. Often garnished with nuts and cardamom, it makes a nutritious meal for those who like something sweet for breakfast. Its high fiber makes it filling and satisfying.
Protein lentils
Chainsoo: Protein-packed lentil dish
Chainsoo, a protein-rich dish, is prepared using black gram lentils. The lentils are roasted, ground and then cooked into a thick curry-like consistency. Flavored with garlic, ginger, and other spices, this hearty meal goes well with rice or roti. Not only does it provide essential nutrients required for energy throughout the day, but it also highlights the traditional flavors of Uttarakhand cuisine.
Spinach boost
Kafuli: Spinach-based nutrient boost
Kafuli is a nutritious green curry made mainly from spinach leaves cooked along with fenugreek leaves in an iron kadhai (pan). Thickened using rice paste or wheat flour paste, this healthy preparation comes with minimal spices but maximum flavor thanks to its earthy taste profile. Served hot with steamed rice or bread varieties like mandua roti (finger millet flatbread), kafuli gives you your daily dose of greens right at breakfast time.
Sweet snack
Thekua: Traditional sweet snack
Thekua is relished as a snack item during festivals as well as a morning treat in several regions, including parts within Uttarakhand too! It is prepared with whole wheat flour kneaded along with ghee (clarified butter) and jaggery syrup, and deep-fried till golden brown. These crunchy bites provide a lovely sweetness without being too sugary, making them a perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee in the wee hours.