Are you looking to add some delicious variety to your morning meals? Indian vegetarian breakfasts are vibrant, flavorful, and packed with nutrition, making them a perfect way to kickstart your day.
From soft and savory idlis to crispy dosas, spicy poha, and hearty parathas, there’s no shortage of ideas to keep breakfast exciting. Whether you’re a busy professional seeking quick recipes or someone who loves to explore new cuisines, these Indian vegetarian breakfast ideas will inspire you to shake up your morning routine.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite tried-and-tested breakfast recipes from India, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and serving suggestions. Get ready to fall in love with breakfast all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Variety: There’s something for everyone—light, hearty, spicy, or mild.
- Nutritious: Each recipe is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Vegetarian: Every dish is 100% plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans (with minor modifications).
- Easy and Quick: Many recipes are ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
- Authentic Flavors: Experience the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine without leaving your kitchen.
Top 5 Indian Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes
Here are five popular and easy-to-make Indian vegetarian breakfast recipes that will brighten your mornings:
- Poha (Flattened Rice Upma)
- Moong Dal Chilla (Savory Lentil Pancakes)
- Vegetable Upma
- Masala Oats
- Aloo Paratha (Stuffed Potato Flatbread)
Poha (Flattened Rice Upma)
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Poha (flattened rice) | 2 cups |
Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
Green chilies (chopped) | 1-2 |
Peanuts | 1/4 cup |
Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
Curry leaves | 8-10 |
Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Coriander leaves (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Oil | 2 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
Equipment
- Large skillet or kadai
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Knife and chopping board
Instructions
- Rinse Poha: Place poha in a colander and rinse gently under running water. Set aside to drain completely.
- Prepare Tempering: Heat oil in the skillet. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Then add peanuts and roast until golden.
- Add Vegetables: Add chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Spice It Up: Add turmeric powder and salt. Mix well.
- Add Poha: Gently add the rinsed poha to the skillet. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the grains.
- Finish: Switch off the flame. Squeeze lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves. Give it a final mix.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Add boiled green peas or diced potatoes for extra nutrition.
- For a tangier flavor, increase the lemon juice.
- Use thick or medium poha for best results; thin poha may become mushy.
- Poha tastes best when served fresh and hot.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Protein | 6g |
Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 32g |
Fiber | 2.5g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a cup of hot masala chai or filter coffee.
- Pair with coconut chutney for a South Indian twist.
- Enjoy with a dollop of plain yogurt for extra creaminess.
Moong Dal Chilla (Savory Lentil Pancakes)
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils) | 1 cup (soaked 4 hours) |
Ginger | 1/2 inch piece |
Green chili | 1 |
Carrot (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Capsicum (finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
Coriander leaves | 2 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
Oil | 2-3 tbsp (for greasing) |
Equipment
- Non-stick tawa or skillet
- Blender
- Spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
- Soak and Blend: Drain soaked moong dal. Blend it with ginger and green chili to a smooth paste, adding 2-3 tbsp water as needed.
- Mix Veggies: Pour batter into a bowl. Add grated carrot, capsicum, coriander, and salt. Mix well.
- Heat Tawa: Grease and heat the tawa. Pour a ladleful of batter and spread gently into a thin circle.
- Cook: Drizzle a little oil around the edges. Cook on medium heat till golden, then flip and cook the other side.
- Repeat: Make more chillas with the remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve hot with green chutney or tomato ketchup.
Tips & Variations
- Add chopped spinach, beetroot, or tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
- For a crispier chilla, cook a bit longer on medium-low heat.
- Leftover batter can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 chillas) |
---|---|
Calories | 170 |
Protein | 8g |
Fat | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 27g |
Fiber | 5g |
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with mint-coriander chutney or plain yogurt.
- Roll chillas with a filling of sautéed veggies for a breakfast wrap.
- Pair with a glass of fresh orange juice for a wholesome meal.
Vegetable Upma
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Semolina (sooji/rava) | 1 cup |
Mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, finely chopped) | 1 cup |
Onion (chopped) | 1 small |
Green chili (slit) | 1 |
Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
Urad dal (split black gram) | 1 tsp |
Curry leaves | 8-10 |
Ginger (grated) | 1/2 tsp |
Coriander leaves | 2 tbsp |
Oil / Ghee | 2 tbsp |
Water | 2.5 cups |
Salt | To taste |
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai
- Spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups
Instructions
- Roast Rava: Dry roast semolina in a pan on low heat until aromatic. Set aside.
- Prepare Tempering: Heat oil/ghee, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add urad dal, curry leaves, and green chili. Fry till dal is golden.
- Sauté Veggies: Add onions and grated ginger. Sauté till onions soften. Add mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Water: Pour in water and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add Rava: Gradually add roasted rava, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes till water is absorbed and upma is fluffy.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use ghee for a richer flavor.
- Add cashews during tempering for a crunchy bite.
- Try with millets or broken wheat (dalia) for a healthier twist.
- For a South Indian touch, add a pinch of grated coconut before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 200 |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 32g |
Fiber | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with coconut chutney or Sambar for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a cup of fresh buttermilk or lassi.
- Pack in a lunchbox for a healthy snack.
For more upma variations, try our “Quinoa Upma Recipe”!
Masala Oats
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Rolled oats | 1 cup |
Onion (chopped) | 1 small |
Tomato (chopped) | 1 medium |
Carrot (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Green peas | 1/4 cup |
Ginger garlic paste | 1 tsp |
Mustard seeds | 1/2 tsp |
Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
Red chili powder | 1/4 tsp |
Garam masala | 1/2 tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Oil | 1 tbsp |
Water | 2 cups |
Coriander leaves | 1 tbsp |
Equipment
- Non-stick pan
- Spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups
Instructions
- Prepare Tempering: Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Sauté Veggies: Add onions and ginger garlic paste; sauté till onions are golden. Add tomatoes, cook till soft.
- Add Spices: Add turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
- Add Veggies: Add grated carrot and green peas. Sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add Oats and Water: Add oats and 2 cups water. Stir well and cook for 5-6 minutes till oats are cooked and mixture thickens.
- Finish: Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add spinach, corn, or bell peppers for more variety.
- Adjust water for desired consistency—thicker for a porridge, thinner for a soup.
- For a creamy touch, add a splash of coconut milk at the end.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 6g |
Fat | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 4g |
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a wholesome breakfast bowl with a side of fruit.
- Serve with a drizzle of lemon juice or a spoonful of yogurt.
- Pack in a thermos for a nutritious on-the-go meal.
Aloo Paratha (Stuffed Potato Flatbread)
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Whole wheat flour | 2 cups |
Boiled potatoes (mashed) | 2 large |
Onion (finely chopped) | 1 small |
Green chilies (chopped) | 1-2 |
Coriander leaves (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Red chili powder | 1/2 tsp |
Garam masala | 1/2 tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Oil / Ghee | For cooking |
Water | As needed |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Flat tawa or skillet
- Spatula
- Potato masher
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Mix whole wheat flour with water and a pinch of salt to make a soft dough. Cover and rest for 15 minutes.
- Make Stuffing: In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, onions, green chilies, coriander, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
- Shape Parathas: Divide dough into balls. Flatten one, place a spoonful of stuffing in the center, seal edges, and roll gently into a thick disc.
- Cook Parathas: Heat tawa. Place paratha and cook on both sides with oil or ghee until golden brown spots appear.
- Repeat: Make more parathas with remaining dough and stuffing.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with butter or with curd and pickle.
Tips & Variations
- Add grated cheese to the stuffing for a cheesy paratha.
- Use finely chopped mint or fenugreek leaves for extra flavor.
- Stuff with leftover dry sabzi for a quick twist.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent parathas from breaking while rolling.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Paratha |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 4g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of fresh homemade butter and tangy mango pickle.
- Pair with a bowl of chilled yogurt or raita for a cooling contrast.
- Enjoy with “Simple Tomato Chutney” or “Mint Coriander Chutney”.
“Parathas are a staple in North Indian homes and are perfect for a filling breakfast or brunch!”
Tips & Variations: General Indian Breakfast Ideas
- Prep ingredients the night before for a quick morning assembly.
- Try using millets, quinoa, or oats in place of rice or wheat for a healthier twist.
- Add seasonal vegetables for freshness and variety.
- Customize spice levels and flavors to suit your family’s taste.
- Batch-cook chutneys and sauces to pair with multiple breakfasts.
Nutrition Facts: General Overview
Recipe | Approx. Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poha | 220 | 6 | 32 | 8 | 2.5 |
Moong Dal Chilla | 170 | 8 | 27 | 4 | 5 |
Vegetable Upma | 200 | 5 | 32 | 6 | 3 |
Masala Oats | 180 | 6 | 30 | 3 | 4 |
Aloo Paratha | 210 | 5 | 35 | 6 | 4 |
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your breakfast with traditional Indian beverages like masala chai, filter coffee, or fresh fruit juice.
- Serve with homemade chutneys, pickles, or raita for a complete experience.
- For a brunch spread, mix and match 2-3 recipes with a fruit platter and some dry fruits on the side.
Conclusion
Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day, and with these Indian vegetarian recipes, you’ll never run out of options. From the tangy and light poha to the hearty and comforting aloo paratha, every recipe brings a unique flavor and texture to your table.
These dishes are not just nutritious and filling but are also easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches.
If you enjoyed these ideas, don’t forget to check out our “Vegetable Dalia Khichdi Recipe” and “Healthy Paneer Sandwich Recipe” for more wholesome meal inspirations. Happy cooking and have a delicious start to your day!
đź“– Recipe Card: Vegetable Upma
Description: Vegetable Upma is a savory South Indian breakfast dish made with semolina and mixed vegetables. It's quick, nutritious, and perfect for a wholesome start to your day.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
Instructions
- Dry roast semolina in a pan until aromatic, then set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add urad dal and curry leaves, sauté for a minute.
- Add onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add carrot, green peas, and tomato, cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in water and bring it to a boil.
- Add salt and slowly add roasted semolina, stirring continuously.
- Cook on low heat until water is absorbed and upma is fluffy.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 32 g
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