Are you searching for wholesome, delicious, and easy-to-make vegetarian breakfast recipes? Look no further!
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Indian culinary expert Tarla Dalal, this blog post brings you a handpicked collection of her most cherished breakfast recipes—perfect for vegetarians and anyone craving a nourishing start to the day.
Whether you have a busy morning or a leisurely weekend, these recipes offer variety, flavor, and nutrition. From fluffy moong dal chilla to classic poha and innovative oats dosa, each dish is simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients.
Not only do these recipes help you maintain a balanced diet, but they also prove that vegetarian food can be vibrant and satisfying. Let’s dive into these time-tested favorites that will brighten up your breakfast table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Each recipe is designed for busy mornings—minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Healthy Choices: Packed with veggies, whole grains, and protein-rich ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: Appealing flavors and colorful presentations make these breakfasts a hit with all ages.
- Adaptable: Suitable for different dietary needs—gluten-free, vegan, or low-fat options included.
- Inspired by Tarla Dalal: Authentic, tried-and-tested Indian vegetarian breakfasts that never fail to delight.
Breakfast sets the tone for your day. Choose energy, flavor, and nutrition with these beloved vegetarian recipes!
Ingredients
Moong Dal Chilla
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Yellow moong dal (split) | 1 cup (soaked 3-4 hours) |
Green chilies | 2, chopped |
Ginger | 1-inch piece |
Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Chopped coriander | 2 tbsp |
Oil (for cooking) | 2-3 tbsp |
Vegetable Poha
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Flattened rice (poha) | 1 1/2 cups |
Onion | 1, finely chopped |
Green peas | 1/4 cup |
Potato | 1 small, diced |
Green chilies | 1-2, chopped |
Mustard seeds | 1/2 tsp |
Curry leaves | 6-8 |
Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
Oil | 2 tbsp |
Oats Dosa
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Oats (quick-cooking) | 1 cup |
Rice flour | 1/4 cup |
Semolina (rava) | 1/4 cup |
Curd (yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
Green chili | 1, chopped |
Onion | 1 small, finely chopped |
Coriander leaves | 2 tbsp, chopped |
Salt | To taste |
Oil | As needed for cooking |
Equipment
- Non-stick tawa or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Blender or mixer grinder
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Knife and chopping board
- Colander (for rinsing poha)
Instructions
Moong Dal Chilla
- Soak the moong dal for 3-4 hours, then drain and transfer it to a blender.
- Add green chilies, ginger, asafoetida, and salt. Blend with a little water to form a smooth batter.
- Transfer to a bowl, add chopped coriander, and mix well.
- Heat a non-stick tawa, grease lightly with oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter, spread into a medium-sized circle.
- Drizzle a little oil around the edges. Cook on medium flame till golden and crisp on both sides.
- Serve hot with green chutney or tomato ketchup.
Vegetable Poha
- Rinse the poha in a colander under running water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds; when they splutter, add curry leaves and green chilies.
- Add onions and sauté till translucent. Add potatoes and cook till soft.
- Stir in green peas and turmeric powder. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the softened poha, salt, and mix gently.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and add lemon juice.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve immediately.
Oats Dosa
- Dry roast oats for 2-3 minutes, then cool and grind to a fine powder.
- In a bowl, mix oats powder, rice flour, semolina, curd, onion, green chili, coriander, salt, and enough water to make a thin batter.
- Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick tawa, pour a ladleful of batter, and spread it thinly. Drizzle oil around the edges.
- Cook till the base is golden and edges crisp up. Flip and cook the other side for a minute.
- Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.
Tips & Variations
- Add veggies: Mix grated carrot, spinach, or capsicum into chilla or dosa batters for extra nutrition and color.
- Make it vegan: Replace curd in oats dosa with plant-based yogurt or simply add a bit more water.
- For a spicy kick: Add red chili flakes or black pepper to any of the batters.
- Crunchy poha: For extra crunch, toss roasted peanuts or cashews into your poha just before serving.
- Serve with dips: These dishes pair beautifully with Mint-Coriander Chutney, Tomato Onion Chutney, or Spicy Garlic Chutney.
“Experiment with seasonal vegetables to keep your breakfast vibrant and interesting all year round!”
Nutrition Facts
Dish | Calories (Per Serving) | Protein | Fiber | Fat |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moong Dal Chilla | 130 | 8g | 3g | 3g |
Vegetable Poha | 185 | 4g | 2g | 5g |
Oats Dosa | 120 | 4g | 2g | 2g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on exact quantities and brands used.
Serving Suggestions
- Moong Dal Chilla: Serve hot with mint-coriander chutney and a side of fresh cut tomatoes.
- Vegetable Poha: Pair with a cup of masala chai and a wedge of lemon for extra zest.
- Oats Dosa: Enjoy with coconut chutney and piping hot sambar for a South Indian twist.
- Add-on ideas: Serve these breakfasts with a fresh fruit salad or a glass of buttermilk for a balanced meal.
For more breakfast inspiration, try our Healthy Vegetable Upma or Besan Cheela with Paneer Stuffing for variety!
Conclusion
Starting your day with a nourishing, home-cooked vegetarian breakfast is one of the best choices you can make. These recipes, inspired by Tarla Dalal’s trusted kitchen wisdom, bring together convenience, flavor, and nutrition.
Whether you’re making a quick moong dal chilla, comforting poha, or crispy oats dosa, you’re guaranteed a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. The beauty of these dishes lies in their adaptability—use your favorite vegetables, adjust the spices, or pair with your preferred chutneys.
Make breakfast a celebration every day and explore more vegetarian delights!
Love these recipes? Don’t forget to check out our other popular breakfast ideas such as Sprouted Moong Paratha and Rava Idli with Mixed Vegetables.
Happy cooking and enjoy your mornings the vegetarian way!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Upma
Description: A wholesome South Indian breakfast made with semolina and mixed vegetables, flavored with mustard seeds and curry leaves. This quick and nutritious dish is ideal for a healthy start to your day.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina (rava/sooji)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
- 10 curry leaves
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 1/4 cup French beans, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
Instructions
- Dry roast semolina in a pan for 3-4 minutes and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Add urad dal and curry leaves, sauté for a minute.
- Add onions and green chilies, sauté until onions turn translucent.
- Add carrots, green peas, and French beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add water and salt, bring to a boil.
- Slowly add roasted semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cover and cook on low flame for 5-6 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 32 g
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