Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, providing us with the energy and nutrients necessary to kickstart our day. A filling and nutritious breakfast can help us stay focused and productive throughout the day, and one ingredient that can help achieve this is besan, also known as gram flour.
Besan is a versatile ingredient made from ground chickpeas and has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. It is not only gluten-free but also a good source of protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients. Besan has a nutty flavour that pairs well with both sweet and savoury dishes, making it a perfect ingredient for a variety of breakfast recipes. Here are some dishes you can try!
Khandvi
This is a popular Gujarati snack that is made with besan, yogurt, and spices. The batter is cooked until it thickens and then spread into thin sheets. These sheets are then rolled and cut into small pieces. Khandvi is a soft and melt-in-your-mouth snack that is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. The dish is typically served with a sprinkle of grated coconut, green chillies, and coriander leaves.
Besan Kachori
Recipe credits - COOK EAT REPEAT
It is a popular snack and breakfast item that is made with a crispy pastry shell filled with a mixture of spiced besan and other ingredients like potatoes, peas, onions, and spices. The pastry shell is made with maida and ghee, which gives it a flaky and crispy texture. The filling is prepared by roasting besan in ghee with spices, vegetables, and herbs to create a delicious mixture. Besan kachoris are usually served with tamarind chutney or mint chutney.
Bread Pakoda
This dish is a popular street food snack that can be eaten as a breakfast or as an evening filler. It is made with besan and bread. The bread slices are dipped in a batter made with besan, spices, and water, and then deep-fried until golden brown. Sometimes, there is an aloo or paneer filling too! Bread pakodas are typically served hot with chutney or ketchup. This snack is perfect for those looking for a quick and filling breakfast option.
Besan Puda
A traditional Maharashtrian breakfast dish that's similar to a pancake but with a thicker batter, puda is very filling and satiating. It's made with besan, yogurt, and spices and can be served with chutney or yogurt. The batter is spread out in a pan and cooked until golden brown. Besan puda is a high-protein breakfast option that's perfect for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, that does not weigh high on the calorie scale.
Besan Toast
This is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. You can add the vegetables of your choice to the besan batter, such as onions, tomatoes, or bell peppers, to the batter to make it more nutritious and flavourful. Besan toast is a great option for busy mornings when you need a quick and filling breakfast. but cannot put in a lot of time.