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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
6 Min
18/08/2025
A nutritious breakfast option does not always have to rely on dairy products or eggs. If you look closely, traditional Indian breakfasts have been naturally vegan and wholesome for centuries, perfect to start your day right. Here are some vegan breakfast options, made daily in Indian kitchens, that are easy to prepare, delicious, and completely free from dairy, eggs, or meat.
Indian breakfast dishes are rich in lentils, grains, vegetables, and spices that fit effortlessly into a vegan lifestyle. They offer variety, nourishment, and vibrant flavours that set the right tone for the day. While they might not appear as sugary or tempting as many Western breakfast options, they are far from boring and keep you feeling satisfied without derailing your health goals.
Many Indian breakfast choices are packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. This combination helps you feel full for longer and provides sustained energy throughout the day. Let’s explore six such vegan breakfasts that are nutritious, delicious, and staples in Indian households.
Poha is a staple breakfast in many Indian homes, loved not just for its simplicity but also for its nutritional value. To prepare it, heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown and the spices release their aroma. Add roasted peanuts for a crunchy texture, followed by salt, sugar, and turmeric for a hint of tanginess. Toss in rinsed poha and mix well, cooking it gently until steam rises from the pan. This dish requires no dairy, making it entirely vegan. It’s also a good source of iron and complex carbohydrates. For added nutrition, you can include vegetables like carrots or green peas.
Sabudana Khichdi is a classic Maharashtrian breakfast that’s not only vegan but also light and comforting. Made with sabudana (tapioca pearls), the dish begins with soaking the pearls for 5-6 hours to achieve the perfect soft texture. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, curry leaves, chopped green chillies, and roasted peanuts. Once fragrant, gently fold in the drained sabudana and sauté until it becomes translucent. Finish with a garnish of fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime for a tangy touch. Traditionally eaten during fasting periods, Sabudana Khichdi is easy to digest and provides quick energy. Its entirely plant-based preparation makes it an excellent vegan breakfast choice.
Soft, steamed idlis paired with coconut chutney are a delightful way to start your morning. Idlis are made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal, which is naturally vegan. Instead of sambar, you can save time during busy mornings by opting for coconut chutney. This chutney is made by blending grated coconut with green chillies, ginger, and salt, then finishing with a tempering of mustard seeds. Idlis are light on the stomach yet packed with complex carbohydrates and a modest amount of protein. This wholesome breakfast option is entirely dairy-free and keeps you feeling energised for hours.
Oats don’t always have to be bland; an Indian twist transforms them into a hearty, flavourful breakfast. To make masala oats, cook rolled oats in a pan with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and your choice of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder. You can enrich the dish further by adding vegetables such as carrots, beans, or peas. Garnish with fresh coriander and a dash of lemon for added freshness. This vegan dish is rich in dietary fibre, low on the glycaemic index, and helps keep you full for longer. The inclusion of vegetables brings a boost of antioxidants and vitamins, making it a quick yet nourishing breakfast for busy mornings.
Dhokla, a popular Gujarati delicacy, doubles as a wonderful breakfast, snack, or even a side dish. It is made by steaming a batter of besan combined with lemon juice, green chillies, and a touch of turmeric. Once cooked, it is topped with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped green chillies, sugar, and a little oil. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, Dhokla is high in plant-based protein thanks to the chickpea flour, low in fat, and gentle on digestion. Its soft, fluffy texture and mildly tangy-sweet flavour profile make it a delightful breakfast choice. Pair it with mint or tamarind chutney for a gut-friendly, satisfying start to your day.
