Meal prepping is a game-changer when it comes to maintaining a healthy and stress-free lifestyle. By preparing breakfasts in advance, you can ensure a nourishing start to your day without compromising on taste and freshness.
In this article, we present meal prep ideas for traditional Indian breakfasts that allow you to prep ahead while still cooking the dishes fresh each morning. These recipes offer a perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and the authentic flavours of Indian cuisine.
Stuffed Parathas: Parathas are a beloved breakfast option in India. To meal prep stuffed parathas, prepare the filling by mashing boiled potatoes and adding spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a circle. Place a spoonful of the potato filling in the centre, seal the edges, and roll it out gently into a round paratha.
Cook the parathas on a hot griddle, brushing them with ghee or oil until golden brown on both sides. Let the parathas cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Each morning, reheat the paratha on a tawa (griddle) until heated through and serve with yogurt or pickle for a hearty and delicious breakfast.
Vegetable Upma: Upma is a savoury semolina dish that can be prepped in advance and cooked fresh each morning. Dry roast semolina until fragrant and set it aside. In a separate pan, heat oil and temper mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. Add chopped onions, green chilies, and mixed vegetables of your choice. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, then add water and salt.
Once the water comes to a boil, gradually stir in the roasted semolina. Cover and cook on low heat until the upma is cooked through. Let it cool completely before refrigerating in individual portions. In the morning, heat a little oil in a pan, add the prepped upma, and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Khaman Dhokla: Khaman Dhokla, a popular Gujarati snack, can be easily prepped ahead to enjoy as a quick and satisfying breakfast. Begin by preparing the batter using besan (chickpea flour), yogurt, and spices. Steam the batter in a greased dish until cooked through.
Once cooled, cut it into bite-sized pieces and store them in an airtight container. To serve, simply reheat the dhokla in a steamer or microwave, and garnish with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. This fluffy and tangy dish pairs well with chutneys or a side of yogurt.
Dhuska: Dhuska, a savory pancake from Jharkhand, can be meal prepped to enjoy a hearty breakfast throughout the week. Prepare the batter using soaked and ground rice, chana dal (split Bengal gram), spices, and herbs. Heat oil in a pan and pour a ladleful of batter to make thick pancakes.
Cook until golden brown on both sides, then let them cool completely. Store the dhuska in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat the pancakes on a tawa (griddle) with a little oil until heated through. Serve with aloo chokha (spicy mashed potatoes) or any desired accompaniments for a delicious and filling breakfast.
Poha Jalebi: Poha, a flattened rice dish popular across India, can be prepped in advance to enjoy a quick and nourishing breakfast. Rinse the poha and drain well. In a pan, heat oil and temper mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Add chopped onions, turmeric, and salt, followed by the soaked poha.
Mix well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to cool, then store it in an airtight container. To serve, heat a little oil in a pan, add the prepped poha, and cook until heated through. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Customize with roasted peanuts, sev, or grated coconut for added texture and flavour.
To begin meal prepping for jalebi, the batter must be prepared in advance. The syrup must also be prepared ahead of time. To cook jalebi, heat oil or ghee in a deep frying pan or kadai and fill a piping bag or squeeze bottle with the fermented batter.
Fry the jalebis until they turn crisp and golden brown. Soaking and storage can be done while the jalebis are still warm. Reheating and serving can be done in a microwave or warm oven to regain their crispness. Jalebis can also be paired with creamy rabri or masala chai for a delightful breakfast or snack experience.
Kadi Kachori: Kadi Kachori, a popular Rajasthani delicacy, can be prepped in advance for a delightful breakfast experience. Begin by preparing the kachori dough using flour, ghee, and salt. For the filling, combine soaked and ground moong dal (split green gram), spices, and herbs. Roll out small portions of dough, place a spoonful of filling in the centre, seal the edges, and shape them into flattened discs.
Deep-fry the kachoris until golden brown and let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container. To serve, reheat the kachoris in an oven or air fryer until crisp and piping hot. Pair them with tangy and spiced yogurt-based kadi (gram flour curry) for a lip-smacking breakfast.
Meal prepping traditional Indian breakfasts allows you to savour the flavours and aromas of authentic cuisine while ensuring a hassle-free start to your day. By preparing components in advance and cooking them fresh in the morning, you can enjoy nutritious and delicious breakfasts throughout the week. From stuffed parathas to vegetable upma, these meal prep ideas showcase the diversity of Indian breakfast options. Embrace the convenience of meal prep while indulging in the rich heritage of Indian flavours, and make your mornings a delightful culinary experience.