Always choose your breakfast dishes wisely, so you can sustain a healthy eating routine throughout the day!
Originating from places like Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, South Indian cuisine is known for its vibrant colours, rich flavours, and a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes. These dishes come with various curries, chutneys, stews, and side dishes. Since many South Indian dishes involve fermentation, they are considered a healthy breakfast choice. The fermentation process improves digestibility, boosts B vitamins, and strengthens the immune system. If you enjoy South Indian dishes, consider adding them to your breakfast menu. They are easy to prepare, delicious, light on the stomach, and fulfilling. For some breakfast inspiration, here's a list of dishes to consider trying!
Vada is like a staple breakfast in South India. These Indian fritters are whipped up from urad dal, usually moulded into a doughnut shape. They've got this perfect combo of a crispy outside and a soft inside. In South Indian cuisines, vada is a morning favourite, and people often dig into it with sambar and coconut chutney. It's just one of those breakfast classics that never gets old!
Pongal is a well-loved rice dish, and comes in two delicious varieties. There's the sweet version known as “Sakkarai Pongal," and the spicy counterpart called "Venn Pongal," often enjoyed as a common breakfast option. Add in some sambar and coconut chutney, and Venn Pongal brings a savoury touch to your morning menu!
If you're on the lookout for a truly healthy breakfast option, Idli could be the perfect choice for you! This light and fluffy steamed cake, made from fermented black lentils and rice, is renowned for its mild taste. Often enjoyed with spicy chutneys or stews, this South Indian breakfast delight has gained international popularity for its subtle taste and health benefits.
Known by different names across South India, this dish's origin remains a mystery. Uppumavu, more commonly known as "upma," is usually prepared with roasted semolina or coarse rice flour. For an extra flavour kick, vegetables and spices are often added. Upma holds a special place as a staple in South Indian households, offering high nutritive value.
Mysore Bonda, or you can call it Mysore Bajji, is another famous South Indian dish. It's got lentils, fresh coconut, herbs, and spices all mixed up into a thick batter. Then, you deep fry it to make these fritters; they're crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside. It's that absolutely beautiful combo of crunch and softness, perfect for satisfying your appetite, especially on lazy weekend mornings!
Puttu is made of steamed cylinders of ground rice, layered with coconut shavings. These cylinders may sometimes have a sweet or savoury filling inside. Puttu is often paired with Kadala curry (black chickpea curry) or moong dal curry. Additionally, it is enjoyed with the wholesale combination of ripe banana, jackfruit, or any non-vegetarian curry.
Idiyappam is a traditional dish in Kerala, Tamil, and Sri Lankan households. It involves pressing rice flour into noodle-like forms, followed by steaming. Made with rice flour or wheat flour, salt, and water, it is typically served as the main course during breakfast or even dinner, accompanied by a curry and coconut chutney.
Every meal, even breakfast, deserves a sweet ending! Rava Kesari is a celebrated South Indian dessert originating from Tamil Nadu. It's mainly made with semolina and sugar, but you can jazz it up with flavours like pineapple, orange, or mango. It's like a sweet hug to round off your meal!
Starting your day with fermented foods, a fundamental aspect of South Indian cuisine, is a great choice. These dishes will keep you satisfied until dinner, and the fermented goodness is beneficial for your gut bacteria. Also, this can help curb those late-night sugar cravings. So, it's a win-win for a healthy and fulfilling day!
