Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and in India, we have several hundred options to enjoy the meal. While traditional Indian breakfasts like dosas and idlis and parathas and tikkis have been talked about for a long time, let us focus on a variety that is quick, easy, and very popular in our households: bhurji!
Bhurji dishes are quick and easy to prepare, made with limited and available ingredients. They can be enjoyed as the main dish or double up as sides for bread, pao, or paratha. Let us look at five scrambled dishes that you can try for a fulfilling breakfast experience:
Spicy Paneer Bhurji
Recipe - Sonia Barton
For those who prefer a vegetarian meal, paneer bhurji is an excellent choice. Paneer adds a creamy texture to the dish while absorbing the flavours of the spices. To prepare this scrambled delicacy, crumble paneer using your hands or grate it finely. In a pan, heat oil and sauté finely chopped onions, green chilies, and bell peppers until they become tender. Add the crumbled paneer and stir-fry with a pinch of turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin powder, and salt. The paneer will absorb the flavours beautifully, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that pairs wonderfully with chapatis or buttered bread.
Tofu Scramble
Tofu scramble is a delicious and nutritious plant-based alternative to traditional scrambled eggs. Made from crumbled tofu, this dish is rich in protein and offers a variety of flavours when seasoned with spices and vegetables. To prepare tofu scramble, start by draining and pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Crumble the tofu into bite-sized pieces and sauté it in a pan with oil or vegan butter. Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach, along with spices like turmeric, red chilli powder and cumin. Cook until the tofu is lightly browned and infused with the flavours.
Kerala-Style Egg Stir-Fry
Recipe - Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
If you are looking for an authentic Kerala-style dish to start your day, mutta thoran, or Kerala-style egg stir-fry, fits the bill perfectly. To prepare this dish, heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, sliced onions, curry leaves, and dried red chillies. Once the onion turns golden, add grated coconut and sauté until it becomes fragrant and slightly brown. Now crack open the eggs directly into the pan, allowing them to cook slightly before scrambling them together with the coconut mixture. Season with salt and serve this mouthwatering egg stir-fry with appam or dosa.
Mushroom and Spinach Scramble
Want to eat vegetarian and want to balance healthy with tasty? This nutritious and delicious option, mushroom and spinach scramble, brings together the goodness of vegetables with the earthy flavours of mushrooms. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they are cooked and slightly browned. Add finely chopped onions, garlic, and green chilies, followed by chopped spinach leaves. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of taste. Finally, whisk the eggs and pour them into the pan. Gently scramble everything together until the eggs are cooked. Serve this dish with toasted bread or use it as a filling for a roll.
Soya Keema Bhurji
If you are vegan, we have an equally delectable plant-based alternative to the classic egg or paneer bhurji. To prepare soya keema bhurji, start by soaking the soya keema granules in warm water for a few minutes until they soften, and then squeeze out the excess water. In a pan, heat oil and sauté chopped onions, green chillies, and ginger until they turn soft and golden. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft. Then, add a mix of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and salt. Toss in the crumbled soy protein and stir-fry with the masala until well combined. You can also add in some ketchup for extra flavour. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rotis or as a filling for wraps.