Quick and Easy Indian Vegetarian Breakfasts in 5 Minutes

Looking for a quick and easy breakfast that’s both delicious and nutritious? Indian cuisine offers a variety of options that can be whipped up in just a few minutes. Here are a few ideas:

Upma

Upma is a versatile dish made with semolina (rava) and can be customized with various vegetables and spices. It’s a hearty and satisfying breakfast option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup peas
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
3. Add semolina and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the semolina is cooked and the water is absorbed.
5. Add peas and cook for a few more minutes.
6. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee or tempering (a mixture of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad dal).

Besan Chilla

Besan chilla is a savory pancake made from gram flour (besan). It’s a healthy and protein-packed breakfast option.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup gram flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together gram flour, water, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and salt.
2. Heat oil in a non-stick pan.
3. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
4. Cook until the edges are golden brown and the center is cooked.
5. Serve hot with chutney or sambar.

These are just a few examples of quick and easy Indian vegetarian breakfast options that can be prepared in 5 minutes or less. Experiment with different ingredients and find your favorite combination.

Paneer Tikka Masala

This creamy and flavorful curry is a classic Indian dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 block paneer, cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the paneer cubes in a mixture of lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan and cook the marinated paneer until golden brown.
3. Add onions and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato puree, garam masala, cumin powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
6. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
7. Add the paneer cubes back to the sauce and cook for a few minutes.
8. Stir in the heavy cream (optional) and serve hot with rice or naan.

Soya Chunks Stir-Fry

Soya chunks are a versatile and protein-packed ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. This stir-fry is a quick and easy way to enjoy them.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soya chunks, soaked and drained
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet.
2. Add onions and bell pepper and cook until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for a minute.
4. Add soya chunks and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
5. Toss in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and salt.
6. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Chickpea and Onion Curry

This simple and flavorful curry is a great way to use chickpeas. It’s also a great option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and cook onions until softened.
2. Add tomatoes and cook until softened.
3. Stir in cumin powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
4. Add chickpeas and water. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve hot with rice or naan.

These are just a few examples of quick and easy Indian vegetarian recipes that you can try. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your favorites.

Remember, the key to quick and easy cooking is to have a few pantry staples on hand, such as canned chickpeas, lentils, and tomatoes. You can also prepare ingredients in advance, like chopping onions and garlic, to save time during the week.