Steamed breakfast dishes provide a nourishing and healthy way to begin your day, blending a variety of ingredients to maintain their authentic flavours. By adopting this cooking technique, you can not only boost the nutritional content but also enjoy a light and easily digestible breakfast. Presenting 5 easy, steamed breakfast dishes that will invigorate your morning with a delightful blend of flavours and nourishment.
Idli
Idli, a traditional dish from South India, is a cake made with fermented rice and urad dal that is both fluffy and dense. The batter gets its airy structure from fermenting overnight. Coconut chutney, sambar, or a tangy tomato sauce are all delicious accompaniments to idlis, and they're easy on the digestive system as well.
Dhokla
Originating from the western regions of India, dhokla is a nice steamed fermented cake crafted from a batter of gramme flour and sometimes enriched with yoghurt. Enhanced with the subtle flavours of mustard seeds and curry leaves, dhokla is expertly cut into squares and adorned with vibrant fresh coriander, transforming it into a visually enticing and delectable breakfast choice.
Idiyyapam
Idiyyapam, also known as string hoppers, is a beloved dish in South India and Sri Lanka that is made from rice flour. The dough is carefully passed through a sieve, resulting in delicate noodles that are then gently steamed. Idiyyapam is commonly enjoyed with a creamy coconut milk and a variety of side dishes, creating a breakfast that is both distinct and enjoyable.
Poha
Poha, a steaming breakfast meal made from flattened rice, is a popular dish in the western areas of India. Light and tasty, this dish is made by sautéing poha with onions, peas, and mustard seeds. Poha, which is traditionally served with a garnish of fresh coriander, can be adapted to personal taste by adding a variety of spices and seasonings.
Puttu
Originating from Kerala, puttu is a steamed cylindrical cake made from a mixture of rice flour and grated coconut. Layered with coconut, this dish is steamed to perfection in a cylindrical vessel, resulting in a unique and flavorful breakfast item. Puttu is often paired with kadala curry, adding a spicy and savory component to the meal.
Steaming Tips
Invest in a Good Steamer
Make sure your steamer is sturdy and has plenty of storage space. To save time and make sure everything is cooked at the same time for breakfast, you can steam multiple components at once.
Use Quality Ingredients
Choose only the finest rice, lentils, or other staples. The steamed foods' texture and flavour are greatly affected by the quality of the ingredients.
Fermentation for Flavour
Where applicable, allow the batter to ferment. Fermentation not only enhances the nutritional profile but also imparts a unique, tangy flavor to the steamed dishes.
Experiment with Flavours
Steamed foods can be given depth by experimenting with different spices, herbs, and sauces. If the seasoning is right, steaming a breakfast can be just as delectable as any other way to prepare it.
Mind the Steam Time
Keep an eye on steaming intervals. The texture and nutrients in food might be lost when cooked for too long. For the best steamed breakfast ever, get the proportions just right.
Creative Combinations
Feel free to experiment with different toppings for your steamed food. There is a limitless array of breakfast options available when you play around with different combinations of chutneys, curries, or even just plain toppings.
Health First
The nutritional value of ingredients is preserved during steaming, making it a health-conscious cooking method. For people who are watching their fat intake but still want a healthy breakfast, this is a great choice.