5 Steamed Indian Breakfast Delicacies To Relish: Dhokla To Idli

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, breakfast often becomes a rushed affair, with convenience often trumping nutrition. But what if there was a way to start your day with a wholesome and nutritious meal that takes minimal effort to prepare? This is where we introduce to you the concept of steamed food for breakfast!

With minimum time, effort, and maximum benefits, you can make healthy steamed dishes a regular part of your breakfast routine. From our very own desi idlis to steamed green veggies, adding these dishes to our breakfast menu has numerous health benefits. When oil and spices are not the first thing we have in the morning, our body feels lighter! So, here are five steamed breakfast dishes you can try.

Idli

Recipe - Kerala Flavor in Hindi

Idli, the crown jewel of South Indian cuisine, is a steamed delicacy enjoyed across the subcontinent and beyond. These soft, spongy rice and urad dal cakes are fermented overnight,making them fluffy and giving them a nice flavour. Served with a side of coconut chutney and sambar, idlis form a complete and nutritious breakfast that is gentle on the stomach yet filling enough to fuel your morning endeavours. Needless to say, idli is one of the most commonly enjoyed breakfast dishes.

Dhokla

Hailing from the colourful state of Gujarat, dhokla is a steamed treat that impresses with its balance of sweetness and tanginess. Made from fermented besan and dahi, this dish is often garnished with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut. Dhokla's light and airy texture, coupled with the thin sugar syrup it is served with, makes it a breakfast delicacy you should not miss out on. To add a burst of flavour, mint-coriander chutney pairs beautifully with dhoklas.

Puttu

Recipe - Authentic Kerala

Originating from the picturesque state of Kerala, Puttu is a traditional steamed breakfast that combines the goodness of rice flour and coconut. The dish is made by layering a mixture of moistened rice flour and grated coconut in a unique cylindrical steamer, resulting in a unique cylindrical shape. The steam gently cooks the rice flour, giving it a light texture. Puttu is often served with a variety of accompaniments, such as chana or kadala curry, grated coconut chutney, or sugar and banana. This wholesome breakfast not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a good source of carbohydrates and fibre.

Steamed Chana Chaat

If you are in the mood for something chatpata yet healthy, this chaat is a wholesome twist on the classic street food. Tender steamed chickpeas are combined with vegetables like onions, cucumber, and tomatoes, tangy tamarind chutney, and spices from roasted cumin to red chilli powder. The result is that this guilt-free delight is packed with protein, fibre, and essential nutrients. Garnishes like sev, dhaniya, and pomegranate seeds add the perfect finishing touches. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast or a snack, steamed chana chaat is a healthy choice that celebrates the fusion of taste and wellness.

Muthia

Muthia, another dish from Gujarat, is a steamed snack that effortlessly doubles as a wholesome breakfast option. Made from a mixture of atta and besan, this dough is shaped into small dumplings and then steamed until cooked through. The dumplings are made with hands by shaping them with palms in the shape of a fist—hence the name muthia! The dish can be customised with various ingredients such as fenugreek leaves, spinach, grated bottle gourd, or grated carrots. Once steamed, the dumplings are often tempered with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves for a nice taste and smell. They pair beautifully with a pudina chutney and get you going for a power-packed morning!