Are you searching for quick, wholesome, and delicious ways to start your day? Look no further!
Indian vegetarian breakfasts are a joyful celebration of flavors, textures, and aromas – from savory upmas and soft idlis to vibrant poha and spicy besan chilla. What makes these recipes even more appealing is that they are loaded with nutrients, use easily available ingredients, and are perfect for both busy mornings and lazy weekends.
In this post, I’m sharing a curated list of India’s most popular vegetarian breakfast recipes, each with a step-by-step video to guide you. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these breakfast ideas are sure to bring excitement to your morning routine.
So, get ready to whip up delicious meals that are as nourishing as they are satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Most of these recipes can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, these dishes keep you full and energized.
- Versatile: From spicy to mildly sweet, there’s something to please every palate.
- Vegetarian & family-friendly: 100% plant-based and loved by kids and adults alike.
- Beginner-friendly: Each recipe comes with a detailed video, making the process foolproof.
Indian Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes Video List
Below, discover a handpicked list of Indian vegetarian breakfast favorites, each with a video link for easy follow-along. Click on each recipe to watch the step-by-step preparation.
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Vegetable Upma
Upma is a classic South Indian breakfast made with semolina (sooji/rava), vegetables, and aromatic tempering. Light, fluffy, and filling!
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Poha (Flattened Rice Stir-Fry)
Poha is a beloved breakfast from Western India, made with flattened rice, onions, potatoes, peanuts, and spices. It’s quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful.
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Besan Chilla (Savory Gram Flour Pancakes)
Besan Chilla is a protein-rich, gluten-free pancake made from chickpea flour and veggies. Crisp on the outside, soft inside, and perfect with chutney!
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Idli (Steamed Rice Cakes)
Idlis are soft, pillowy steamed cakes made from a fermented rice and urad dal batter. They make a light, gut-friendly breakfast served with sambar and coconut chutney.
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Moong Dal Cheela
Moong Dal Cheela is a nutritious, protein-packed crepe made with split yellow moong dal and spices. Ideal for a healthy start!
Ingredients
Recipe | Main Ingredients |
---|---|
Vegetable Upma |
|
Poha |
|
Besan Chilla |
|
Idli |
|
Moong Dal Cheela |
|
Equipment
- Non-stick pan or tawa (for chilla, cheela, upma, poha)
- Steamer or idli cooker (for idli)
- Mixing bowls
- Blender or wet grinder (for idli and moong dal cheela batter)
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
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Vegetable Upma
- Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add urad dal and fry until golden.
- Add chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté till onions turn translucent.
- Mix in carrots and peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add semolina and roast for 2-3 minutes until aromatic.
- Pour in 2 cups water and salt. Stir to avoid lumps.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 minutes until water is absorbed and upma is fluffy.
- Garnish with coriander and a squeeze of lemon.
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Poha
- Rinse poha in a colander under running water. Drain well.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add peanuts and fry till golden.
- Add onions, potatoes, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté till onions soften and potatoes are almost cooked.
- Add turmeric and salt. Mix in the drained poha.
- Stir gently, cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn off heat, add lemon juice and coriander.
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Besan Chilla
- In a bowl, mix besan, vegetables, spices, and salt. Add water gradually to form a thick, pourable batter.
- Heat a non-stick tawa. Grease lightly with oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter, spread gently into a circle.
- Drizzle oil around edges. Cook on medium heat till golden spots appear, then flip and cook the other side.
- Serve hot with chutney.
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Idli
- Soak rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds for 4-6 hours. Grind to a smooth batter, add salt, and ferment overnight.
- Grease idli molds. Pour in the batter.
- Steam for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool, then demold. Serve with coconut chutney and sambar.
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Moong Dal Cheela
- Soak moong dal for 3-4 hours, drain, and blend with ginger, chilies, and a little water to a smooth batter.
- Mix in onions, coriander, salt.
- Heat a tawa, grease with oil, pour a ladleful of batter and spread.
- Cook till golden, then flip and cook the other side.
- Serve hot with mint chutney.
Tips & Variations
- Upma: Try adding roasted cashews for crunch, or experiment with vegetables like beans and bell peppers.
- Poha: Use red poha for extra nutrition, or add grated coconut for a South Indian twist.
- Besan Chilla: Add paneer cubes or spinach to the batter for added protein and greens.
- Idli: Swap some rice for millet for a healthier option; you can also make instant rava idli if short on time.
- Moong Dal Cheela: Add grated veggies, or stuff with paneer bhurji for a hearty meal.
“Always preheat your pan or steamer for best results and avoid sticking. Consistency of the batter is key to soft idlis and crisp cheelas!”
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Protein (g) | Fiber (g) | Fat (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vegetable Upma | 210 | 5 | 3 | 7 |
Poha | 180 | 4 | 2.5 | 6 |
Besan Chilla | 130 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
Idli | 70 | 2 | 1 | 0.5 |
Moong Dal Cheela | 120 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve upma hot with coconut chutney or plain yogurt for a wholesome meal.
- Enjoy poha with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sev or pomegranate seeds for crunch.
- Besan chilla pairs well with green chutney or tomato ketchup; roll it up for a lunchbox treat.
- Idlis taste best with sambar and coconut chutney; try homemade coconut chutney for an authentic touch.
- Moong dal cheela is great with mint or coriander chutney and a cup of masala chai.
Conclusion
Indian vegetarian breakfast recipes are a true testament to the country’s culinary richness and diversity. Each dish, whether it’s the hearty upma, refreshing poha, or protein-packed besan chilla, brings its own unique flavors and health benefits to your table.
With these step-by-step video guides, even novice cooks can create authentic, satisfying breakfasts at home. The best part?
All these recipes are adaptable, so you can customize them with your favorite veggies, spices, or grains. Make your mornings brighter, healthier, and more delicious with these vibrant Indian breakfast ideas.
Don’t forget to try our Oats Dosa Recipe and Stuffed Paratha Recipe for even more breakfast inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Masala Upma
Description: A flavorful South Indian breakfast dish made with semolina and vegetables. Quick, wholesome, and perfect for busy mornings.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
Instructions
- Dry roast semolina in a pan until slightly golden and aromatic. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan; add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add urad dal, curry leaves, and green chili. Sauté for a minute.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add carrots and green peas; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in water and add salt. Bring to a boil.
- Slowly add roasted semolina while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Cook on low heat until water is absorbed and upma is fluffy.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 35 g
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