In this enchanting guide, we'll be your musical conductor through seven heartwarming Indian breakfast dishes. Each dish is a unique melody, a blend of tradition and taste, a perfect start to your day's composition. From the spicy rhythms of Indori Poha to the soul-soothing ballads of Puttu-Kadala Curry, you'll experience a symphony of flavours that will make your mornings a delicious crescendo.
So, join us as we explore the breakfast culture of India, where every dish is a delightful note, and every bite is a step closer to the heart of a nation's gastronomic melody.
1. Indori Poha
Let's kick off our cosy morning journey in the heart of India, Indore, where Poha is king. Indori Poha is a beloved breakfast dish that starts with flattened rice, which is delicately spiced and sautéed with mustard seeds, turmeric, and chilli. The dish is then garnished with peanuts, sev (crunchy chickpea noodles), and fresh coriander. This combination of textures and flavours creates a breakfast that's as heartwarming as it is satisfying. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a burst of freshness, making Indori Poha a cherished comfort food.
2. Dibba Roti
Travelling south to Andhra Pradesh, we find Dibba Roti, a rustic and hearty breakfast dish. It's a type of thick, deep-fried bread that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Dibba Roti is often seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies, infusing it with a delightful spiciness. Served with chutney or a dollop of yogurt, this dish embodies the cosy essence of a South Indian morning.
3. Surti Locho
Our next destination is the western state of Gujarat, known for its flavoursome and wholesome breakfasts. Surti Locho is a delightful dish made from besan (gram flour), spices, and a touch of baking soda, which gives it a unique texture. This mixture is steamed, resulting in a spongy, savoury cake. The Locho is then garnished with sev, fresh coriander, and a drizzle of chutney. The fusion of textures and flavours in Surti Locho makes it a delightful and cosy choice for your morning meal.
4. Puttu-Kadala Curry
We journey to the southern state of Kerala, where Puttu-Kadala Curry is a quintessential breakfast. Puttu, cylindrical steamed rice cakes, are traditionally served with Kadala Curry, a flavorful dish made from black chickpeas simmered in a coconut-based gravy with spices. The combination of the soft, crumbly Puttu and the aromatic Kadala Curry is a hearty and comforting way to start your day.
5. Mooli Paratha
Heading north to the fertile plains of Punjab, we discover Mooli Paratha. A warm and nourishing dish, it features grated radishes mixed with spices and herbs, stuffed inside whole wheat dough. The parathas are then roasted on a griddle with a dollop of ghee. The result is a crispy, golden brown bread with a delightful, spicy, and slightly pungent filling. Served with yogurt or a dollop of butter, Mooli Paratha is a beloved breakfast choice in North India.
6. Koraishutir Kochuri
From the bustling streets of Kolkata, we bring you Koraishutir Kochuri, a beloved Bengali breakfast treat. These deep-fried, puffed breads are filled with a delectable mixture of spiced green peas. The Kochuri is crispy on the outside, and the filling inside is fragrant and flavorful. It's often served with a side of aloo dum (spicy potato curry) or chholar dal (split Bengal gram curry), making it a heartwarming choice for those cosy mornings in West Bengal.
7. Poita Bhaat
Finally, we journey to the eastern state of Assam, where Poita Bhaat takes centre stage. It's a dish that beautifully showcases the frugality and resourcefulness of Assamese cuisine. Poita Bhaat is essentially fermented rice, often leftover from the previous day's meal, soaked in water and garnished with mustard oil, onions, green chilies, and sometimes dried fish or shrimp. This seemingly simple dish carries a burst of tangy, spicy, and umami flavours, making it a unique and satisfying choice for a cosy morning.
In the world of breakfast, India offers a remarkable journey of flavours, where every dish tells a story and every bite is a heartfelt invitation to a culinary adventure. Our exploration of these 7 heartwarming Indian breakfast dishes has been a delightful odyssey through the nation's diverse culinary landscape. From the spicy fervour of Indori Poha to the comforting embrace of Mooli Paratha, each dish represents a unique chapter in the rich tapestry of Indian breakfast culture. As you savour the blend of tradition and taste, remember that every morning can be a delicious celebration, a symphony of flavours to brighten your day.