5 Easy Indian Breakfasts You Can Make on Weekdays

Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day, and in Indian households, it holds a special place. If you're looking for quick, nutritious, and delicious breakfast ideas that you can whip up on busy weekdays, here are five easy Indian breakfasts to consider:

1. Poha

Poha is a flattened rice dish that is light yet filling. It can be prepared in just 15 minutes. To make poha, rinse a cup of poha under running water and let it sit for a few minutes to soften. In a pan, heat some oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and a pinch of turmeric. Sauté finely chopped onions, green chilies, and peas until soft. Add the soaked poha, salt, and lemon juice. Garnish with fresh coriander.

2. Upma

Upma is a savory semolina dish that's not only quick to make but also highly customizable. Start by dry roasting one cup of semolina (rava) on low heat until it turns light golden. In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal, chopped onions, and green chilies. Once the onions turn translucent, add water (approximately 2 cups), salt, and then the roasted semolina, stirring to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with coconut chutney.

3. Vegetable Paratha

Parathas are a versatile Indian flatbread that can be easily stuffed with various fillings. To make vegetable parathas, take whole wheat flour and knead it into a soft dough. Prepare a filling of your choice by combining mashed boiled potatoes with finely chopped vegetables, spices, and coriander. Roll out small balls of dough, fill them with the mixture, and roll them out again. Cook on a hot tawa with a little oil until golden brown. Serve with yogurt or pickles.

4. Idli

Idli is a steamed rice cake popular in South Indian cuisine. While traditional idlis require fermentation, you can make quick idli batter by combining equal parts of rice flour and urad dal flour, and add water to make a thick batter. Pour the batter into idli molds and steam for about 10-12 minutes. Serve hot with sambar and coconut chutney.

5. Dalia (Broken Wheat Porridge)

Dalia is a nutritious porridge made from broken wheat, suitable for a healthy breakfast. To prepare, heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, chopped vegetables (like carrots, peas, and beans), and sauté. Then, add a cup of water and let it boil. Once boiling, add half a cup of roasted dalia, a pinch of salt, and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Serve hot with a dash of lemon juice.

These easy Indian breakfasts are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Incorporating them into your weekday routine will ensure you start your day on a healthy note!