Andhra Breakfast Recipes Vegetarian: Tasty & Easy Ideas

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Andhra cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, bold spices, and wholesome ingredients, especially when it comes to breakfast. A vegetarian Andhra breakfast is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines nutrition, tradition, and taste in every bite.

From crispy dosas and fluffy idlis to tangy upma and spicy pesarattu, the variety is endless. These dishes are perfect for starting your day with energy and satisfaction, all while keeping it light and healthy.

Whether you are new to South Indian cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, these authentic Andhra breakfast recipes will bring the warmth of Andhra Pradesh straight to your kitchen.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most beloved vegetarian Andhra breakfast recipes, complete with easy-to-follow instructions, tips, and nutritional insights. Prepare to delight your senses and impress your family with traditional recipes that are as delicious as they are wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Andhra vegetarian breakfasts are a celebration of simple yet powerful ingredients combined masterfully to create unforgettable flavors. You’ll love these recipes because they:

  • Are packed with nutrients: Lentils, rice, and vegetables provide a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
  • Offer bold, spicy flavors: Using authentic Andhra spices and chutneys, the meals excite your palate.
  • Are versatile and quick: Many of these dishes can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
  • Suitable for vegetarians and vegans: Naturally plant-based options that everyone can enjoy.
  • Connect you to tradition: Experience the rich culinary heritage of Andhra Pradesh with every bite.

Ingredients

Recipe Main Ingredients
Pesarattu (Green Gram Dosa)
  • 1 cup green gram (moong dal)
  • 2 green chilies
  • 1-inch piece ginger
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for cooking
  • Optional: finely chopped onions and coriander leaves
Upma (Semolina Porridge)
  • 1 cup semolina (rava)
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp urad dal (split black gram)
  • 1-2 green chilies, chopped
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2.5 cups water
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish
Idli (Steamed Rice Cakes)
  • 2 cups idli rice or parboiled rice
  • 1 cup urad dal (split black gram)
  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed for batter
Tomato Pappu (Lentil Curry)
  • 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp tamarind paste
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves
  • 2 cups water

Equipment

  • Blender or wet grinder (for batter preparation)
  • Non-stick skillet or tawa (for dosa and pesarattu)
  • Idli steamer or pressure cooker with idli plates
  • Medium saucepan or deep pan (for upma and pappu)
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Pesarattu (Green Gram Dosa)

  1. Soak the green gram: Rinse the green gram thoroughly and soak it in water for 6-8 hours or overnight.
  2. Prepare the batter: Drain the water and grind the green gram with green chilies and ginger to a smooth batter. Add water as needed for a pouring consistency.
  3. Add salt: Mix in salt and, optionally, chopped onions and coriander leaves.
  4. Cook the pesarattu: Heat a non-stick tawa and pour a ladleful of batter, spreading it thin like a pancake.
  5. Drizzle oil: Drizzle a little oil around the edges and cook until the bottom is golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another minute if desired.
  6. Serve hot: Serve with ginger chutney or upma.

Upma (Semolina Porridge)

  1. Roast semolina: Dry roast the semolina in a pan until it turns light golden and aromatic. Set aside.
  2. Prepare tempering: Heat oil or ghee in a pan, add mustard seeds, urad dal, green chilies, and ginger. Sauté until dal is golden.
  3. Add onions: Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
  4. Add water: Pour in water and bring to a boil. Add salt.
  5. Cook semolina: Slowly add roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook on low heat until water is absorbed and upma thickens.
  6. Finish and garnish: Turn off heat, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve hot.

Idli (Steamed Rice Cakes)

  1. Soak rice and dal: Soak rice and urad dal with fenugreek seeds separately for 4-6 hours.
  2. Grind batter: Grind dal to a smooth, fluffy batter and rice to a slightly coarse batter. Mix both and add salt.
  3. Ferment batter: Leave the batter in a warm place overnight or 8-12 hours to ferment.
  4. Prepare idli molds: Grease idli plates with oil.
  5. Steam idlis: Pour batter into molds and steam for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Serve: Gently remove idlis and serve with sambar and coconut chutney.

Tomato Pappu (Lentil Curry)

  1. Cook dal: Rinse toor dal and pressure cook with turmeric and water until soft.
  2. Prepare tomato base: In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and red chilies. Once they splutter, add chopped tomatoes and cook until mushy.
  3. Mix dal and tamarind: Add cooked dal and tamarind paste to the tomato mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Season and garnish: Add salt, mix well, and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Tips & Variations

For fluffier idlis, ensure the batter is fermented well in a warm environment.

You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or beans to upma for extra nutrition.

Pesarattu can be stuffed with upma or spiced potatoes to make a delicious meal.

Adjust spice levels according to your preference, especially in chutneys and pesarattu batter.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g) Fat (g)
Pesarattu 180 10 30 4
Upma 220 6 38 6
Idli 120 4 25 0.5
Tomato Pappu 150 9 20 3

Serving Suggestions

Andhra vegetarian breakfasts are best enjoyed with traditional accompaniments that enhance their flavors. Serve pesarattu hot with spicy ginger chutney or coconut chutney.

Pair idlis with a side of tangy sambar and fresh coconut chutney for a complete meal. Upma tastes wonderful garnished with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh coriander.

Tomato pappu can be served as a side or main with hot steamed rice or as a comforting dip with dosa.

For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe and get inspired by a fusion of flavors. Also, explore hearty and flavorful options like our Bread And Gravy Recipe to complement your breakfast table.

Conclusion

Andhra vegetarian breakfast recipes bring a delightful mix of nutrition, taste, and tradition to your morning routine. These dishes are not only satisfying but also showcase the rich culinary heritage of Andhra Pradesh with their unique spices and cooking techniques.

Whether you prefer the crispy texture of pesarattu, the comforting softness of idlis, or the wholesome flavors of upma and tomato pappu, you’ll find these recipes easy to prepare and incredibly rewarding.

Incorporating these recipes into your breakfast repertoire will add variety and excitement to your meals while keeping your diet balanced and healthy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spices and ingredients to suit your palate, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of Andhra cuisine every day.

📖 Recipe Card: Andhra Breakfast Recipes Vegetarian

Description: A collection of traditional Andhra vegetarian breakfast dishes known for their spicy and flavorful taste. Perfect for a nutritious and energizing start to your day.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup urad dal (split black gram)
  • 1/4 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 2 green chilies, chopped
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 10 curry leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1/4 cup grated carrot

Instructions

  1. Soak rice, urad dal, and chana dal in water for 4 hours.
  2. Grind soaked ingredients into a smooth batter with water.
  3. Add salt and mix well; let batter ferment overnight.
  4. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger.
  5. Add chopped onions and grated carrot; sauté until soft.
  6. Mix sautéed vegetables into the fermented batter.
  7. Heat a griddle, pour a ladle of batter, and spread into a thin circle.
  8. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
  9. Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Marta K

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