Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and nowhere is this truer than in the eastern Indian states of Bihar, Bengal, and Jharkhand. These three states are home to some of the most diverse and delicious breakfast dishes in India, featuring a variety of unique ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavours. Whether you're a fan of spicy, savoury, or sweet breakfast foods, there's something for everyone in these states. From steaming bowls of ghughni to crispy deep-fried kachori, the breakfasts of Bihar, Bengal, and Jharkhand are sure to leave you feeling satisfied and energised for the day ahead.
In this article, we'll explore some of the top breakfast dishes from these three states, diving into the history, culture, and ingredients that make each dish special. We'll take a closer look at traditional favourites like dhuska, chholar dal, and sattu paratha, as well as some lesser-known but equally delicious options. Whether you're a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons or simply someone who loves a good breakfast, this article is sure to whet your appetite and inspire your next meal.
Muri-ghughni is a popular breakfast dish in Bengal as well as some parts of Jharkhand and Bihar, made with puffed rice and a spicy chickpea curry. The puffed rice adds a crunchy texture to the dish, while the curry is made with a blend of onion, tomato, ginger-garlic paste and spices, giving it a savoury and spicy flavour. It's a perfect breakfast option for those who love a bit of heat and crunch in their morning meal.
Dhuska is a deep-fried pancake made with rice flour, chana dal, and spices. It's a popular breakfast option in Jharkhand and is often served with a spicy potato curry or chutney. Some people also prefer having dhuska with spicy mutton curry. The dhuska has a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior, making it a great option for those who enjoy contrasting textures in their food.
Recipe credits - Bindas Swad
Sattu ka paratha is a nutritious breakfast option from Bihar. It's made with a filling of roasted gram flour, onion, and spices, and is served with a dollop of butter or ghee. Achaar or masala ghee go best with this flatbread. The paratha is like a flattened version of the famous litti, enjoyed best if made in pure Desi ghee, making it a delicious and filling meal to start the day.
Luchi-cholar dal is a classic Bengali breakfast dish made with deep-fried, soft flatbreads and a spicy Bengal gram lentil curry. The luchi is crispy and fluffy and is made with all purpose flour to get that texture, while the cholar dal is usually slightly sweet, having strong aromas of garam masala and coriander leaves. It's a delicious and satisfying breakfast option that is sure to leave you feeling full and energised.
Chilka roti is a nutritious and flavourful breakfast option from Jharkhand. It's made with a blend of rice flour and sometimes, grated vegetables like bottle gourd, spinach, and onions are added to the batter. The roti is super thing and white in colour and can be enjoyed with a variety of side dishes like achaar, aloo ki sabji or cauliflower fry, making it a great option for those who enjoy healthy and wholesome breakfasts.
Kachori-sabji is a popular breakfast dish from Bihar, which is also enjoyed in the rest of the two states. It's made with deep-fried pastry shells filled with a spicy dal and sattu mixture and is served with a side of tangy tamatar-aloo ki rasse waale sabji.A constant side dish that is enjoyed with kachori-sabji ki the sweet, crispy jalebis. It's a delicious and indulgent breakfast option that is sure to satisfy your cravings for something heavy and filling in the morning.