Classic Kanda Poha
Poha is a quintessential Indian breakfast that is both light and filling. Made from flattened rice, it's incredibly quick to prepare, making it a go-to on hectic mornings. To start, rinse thick poha in a colander until it's soft but not mushy—it should
break easily when pressed. While it drains, heat some oil and pop mustard seeds. Sauté chopped onions (kanda), curry leaves, and green chillies until the onions are translucent. Many also add peanuts at this stage for a delightful crunch. Add turmeric, salt, and then the softened poha. Toss everything together gently, cover and steam for a couple of minutes until heated through. A final squeeze of lemon juice and a garnish of fresh coriander and sev makes it the perfect monsoon morning meal.
Speedy Rava Upma
Warm, savoury, and immensely satisfying, Rava Upma (or Sooji Upma) is another monsoon favourite that can be on your table in about 20 minutes. The key is to dry roast the semolina (rava) beforehand until it's fragrant, which prevents it from becoming sticky. For a quick start, heat oil or ghee, and temper with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté finely chopped onions, ginger, and green chillies. You can also add chopped vegetables like carrots and peas. Pour in hot water, bring it to a boil, and then slowly add the roasted rava while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cover and cook on low heat for a few minutes until the rava has absorbed all the water and is cooked through. A final dollop of ghee on top adds a beautiful aroma.
Instant Besan Cheela
Often called the Indian savoury pancake, a Besan Cheela is a fantastic protein-packed breakfast that requires minimal effort. The batter comes together in minutes. Simply whisk gram flour (besan) with water to form a smooth, pouring consistency. Season it with salt, turmeric, and ajwain (carom seeds), which aids digestion. To this, you can add finely chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander, and green chillies. Heat a non-stick tawa or skillet, pour a ladleful of the batter, and spread it into a thin circle. Drizzle a little oil or ghee around the edges and cook until golden brown on both sides. It cooks in just a few minutes and tastes delicious with mint chutney or a simple curd dip.
Masala Bread Upma
A perfect way to use up leftover bread, Bread Upma is a flavourful and quick dish that feels like a treat. Start by cutting bread slices into small, bite-sized cubes. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Once they splutter, sauté chopped onions until they turn soft and golden. Add chopped tomatoes and cook them down until mushy. Season with turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and a touch of garam masala for that extra warmth. Finally, add the bread cubes and toss everything together until the bread is well-coated with the masala. Cook for a couple of minutes, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve hot. It’s a delightful transformation of a simple ingredient into a satisfying breakfast.
Warm Masala Oats
For a healthier but equally comforting option, Masala Oats are a brilliant choice. This isn't your regular sweet porridge; it’s a savoury, spicy version perfect for Indian palates and rainy weather. In a pan, sauté chopped onions, green chillies, and ginger. You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and capsicum for extra nutrition. Add spices like turmeric and cumin powder. Then, add rolled oats and water or vegetable broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed the liquid. It’s a one-pot meal that's both nourishing and quick, offering the warmth you crave on a cool monsoon morning. Garnish with coriander and a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavours.
