In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding time to prepare a wholesome and delicious breakfast can be a challenge. However, skipping breakfast is not an option, as it is the most important meal of the day. Tiffin, the quintessential Indian lunchbox, can come to the rescue on busy mornings. Here are six quick and easy tiffin recipes that will ensure you start your day on a nutritious and delicious note.
Vegetable Upma
Recipe - Get Curried
Upma is a versatile South Indian dish made from semolina or sooji that can be customised with an array of vegetables. In a hot pan, temper mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad dal. Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans, and sauté until slightly tender. Add semolina and roast until fragrant. Pour in hot water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Season with salt and cook until the upma reaches your desired consistency. Garnish with chopped cilantro and grated coconut.
Poha
Poha, made with flattened rice, is a beloved breakfast option in many Indian households. Rinse the poha in cold water and let it sit for a few minutes. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and chopped green chillies. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, and then add diced potatoes and turmeric powder. Once the potatoes are cooked, add the soaked poha and gently mix. Season with salt, sugar, and lemon juice to taste. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and roasted peanuts.
Masala Sandwich
A masala sandwich is a quick and filling option for breakfast. Spread butter on slices of bread and layer with thinly sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Sprinkle chaat masala, black salt, and red chilli powder for an extra kick. Place another buttered slice on top and grill the sandwich until golden and crisp. Serve with ketchup or mint chutney.
Mixed Sprouts Salad
Recipe - Recipeana Recipes
For a healthy and refreshing option, prepare a mixed sprouts salad. Soak a mixture of moong beans, chickpeas, and other lentils overnight. Drain and let the sprouts grow for a day. Toss the sprouts with chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumber, and bell peppers. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, chaat masala, and a dash of olive oil. This protein-rich salad will keep you energised throughout the morning.
Mini Uttapam
This is a savoury pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. For a quick version, use leftover dosa batter or instant uttapam mix. Heat a non-stick pan and pour small ladles of batter to form mini pancakes. Quickly sprinkle chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and cilantro on top. Drizzle a little oil and cook until the bottom is golden. Flip and cook until the other side is cooked through. Serve with coconut chutney or tomato chutney.
Banana Paratha
For those with a sweet tooth, banana paratha is a delightful choice. Mash ripe bananas and mix them with whole wheat flour, a pinch of salt, and a touch of cardamom powder. Knead into a soft dough using milk or water. Divide the dough into balls, roll them out, and cook on a hot griddle with ghee until both sides are golden and crisp. These parathas require no elaborate side dishes and can be enjoyed as they are.