Aloo Paratha with White Butter
A quintessential North Indian breakfast, the Aloo Paratha takes on a special significance during the monsoon. There is something deeply satisfying about tearing into a hot, flaky flatbread, stuffed with a spiced potato filling, especially when it’s raining
outside. The brilliance of this dish lies in its simplicity: a soft whole wheat dough encasing a flavourful mixture of mashed potatoes, onions, green chillies, and an array of spices like coriander and cumin powder. Pan-fried with ghee or oil until golden brown and crisp on the outside, it is traditionally served with a generous dollop of white butter that melts slowly over the top, creating a rich, savoury experience. Paired with a side of tangy pickle or cool yoghurt, it is the definitive answer to a rainy-day craving.
Kanda Poha
Hailing from Maharashtra, Poha is a masterclass in creating a quick, light, yet incredibly satisfying meal. It’s a staple breakfast across Western and Central India for good reason. Made from flattened rice flakes, it requires minimal cooking time. The flakes are first rinsed to soften them, then tossed in a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, and onions. Peanuts are often added for a welcome crunch. Turmeric gives the dish its signature sunny yellow hue, a cheerful contrast to a grey, overcast sky. A final squeeze of lime juice and a garnish of fresh coriander leaves brightens the entire dish. It's warm, savoury, and comes together in minutes, making it an ideal, fuss-free start to a lazy rainy day.
Moong Dal Cheela
Often described as a savoury Indian pancake, the Moong Dal Cheela is both healthy and delicious. Made from a batter of soaked and ground yellow moong lentils, this breakfast is packed with protein and is naturally gluten-free. The batter is seasoned with spices like turmeric and can be customised with additions like finely chopped onions, ginger, and fresh coriander. Poured onto a hot griddle and cooked with a little oil until golden and slightly crisp on the edges, the cheela remains soft and spongy on the inside. It’s light on the stomach, making it a great option when the humid monsoon weather can make digestion feel sluggish. Served hot with a side of mint chutney or plain curd, it’s a wholesome and flavourful way to greet a rainy morning.
Rava Upma
Upma, a beloved breakfast from the southern states of India, often gets a bad rap, but a well-made bowl is pure comfort. It is a thick, savoury porridge made from dry-roasted semolina (rava or sooji). The process begins with a fragrant tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and lentils like urad dal and chana dal, which add a nutty flavour. Onions and ginger are sautéed before the roasted rava is added, followed by hot water. The mixture is stirred continuously until it thickens into a fluffy, satisfying dish. Often studded with vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans, Upma is a complete meal in a bowl. It's a classic warming dish, perfect for those mornings when you need something hearty and wholesome to fend off the monsoon chill.
Bread Pakora
For a truly indulgent rainy-day treat, look no further than Bread Pakora. A popular street food and tea-time snack, it also makes for a decadent breakfast. There are two main versions: a simple one where bread slices are dipped in a spiced gram flour (besan) batter and deep-fried, and a more elaborate version featuring a spicy potato filling sandwiched between two bread slices before being battered and fried. The result is a gloriously crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a soft, savoury interior. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a special occasion. Paired with tangy tamarind chutney or a simple tomato ketchup and a cup of hot masala chai, it's the ultimate comfort food for a grey, drizzly day.
