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6 deliciously healthy South Indian breakfasts

Healthy breakfast India
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First Published Aug 20, 2016, 7:51 AM IST



As the adage says : “Eat breakfast Like a King, lunch Like a Prince, and dinner like a Pauper.”  Kick start your day with these delicious breakfasts that come with healthy options as well. 

 

 

Dosa

 

Crispy and lip-smacking dosas is a great way to start your day

 

This lentil-based pancake is a staple in most South Indian households. It comes in a number of varieties. For a healthy alternative, switch from a rice-based batter to one that is ragi, rava or oats- based. Not only will it keep you satiated for a longer period of time, it is known to have several health benefits because of its low calorie and high protein content. It is often served with sambhar and an assortment of chutneys. Looking for a healthy accompaniment, then switch from coconut based chutneys to mint or tomato. 
 

 

 

Idli 
 

Rava idlis are not only delicious but healthy, too

 

 

Perhaps one of the healthiest item on offer on the Indian breakfast platter, this is a great option to kickstart your day. These light fluffy pillows made from rice batter are steamed and is best consumed hot as they simply melt-in-your-mouth, as a result of which, you have natural tendency to overeat. Instead, a great substitute for idli is the one made from rava. While denser than your average idli, this is better, healthier and tastier option. In fact, you can prepare the rice batter and refrigerate it for up to a week, and alternate it with dosa every other day thus giving you a variety. Some of the health benefits of idlis are that they are rich in vitamins, proteins, and fibre. It is also gluten-free.

 

 

Puttu

Caption

 

One of the traditional dishes of Kerala, puttu is made by steaming rice flour. It can also be substituted with wheat flour or semolina mixed with grated coconut.  Puttu can be prepared either by the traditional method using coconut shell or bamboo piece  or  for a more modern convenience, one can go for a steel puttu maker. Make the mixture by adding grated coconut as a filler or by mixing it with the flour. It is either had as a savoury option with black channa (kadala) or as a sweet option with sugar and banana. In fact, in 2006, hotel management students created a world record by making a 10-feet long puttu. It's protein-rich and steamed making this dish healthy.

 

 

Uttapam

 

The uttapam is a part of the dosa family

 

Belonging to the dosa family, the uttapam is a thicker version of it. It is often topped with carrots, onions, and tomatoes. Like most, this too is made from rice batter, but a healthier option would include the use of rava or oats.  You can also add besan to the batter which will make it more healthy.

 

 

 

Upma 

 

Piping hot upma is a healthy breakfast staple

 

Upma can be prepared from semolina, ragi, rice or broken wheat. Saute this with ginger, onion or shallots, vegetables, curry leaves, and mustard seeds in coconut oil or little ghee (if you want to be indulgent).  This is a simple and easy yet healthy breakfast to start your day. 

 

 

 

Poha

 

Poha can be had for breakfast or as a snack

 

Yet another healthy breakfast prepared from flattened rice which can provide the much needed morning nutrition. Pressed rice is cooked with veggies and heaped with subtle flavors is a good source of carbohydrates. It can also be eaten as a snack.  This is a diabetic-friendly food packed with iron, which is good for one's health.
 

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