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Traditional Breakfasts in India and Its Nutritional Value

Gobar Times in its January 15, 2011 edition had published an extensive study on the traditional Indian breakfasts and their nutritional value. Gobar Times is an environment magazine for kids. They have explored the important breakfast dishes in India like Aloo Paratha from Punjab, Sheermal from Jammu and Kashmir, Pitha, Luchi and Cholar Dals from eastern parts of India, Poha from Maharashtra, Kachori from Rajasthan, Dhokla from Gujarat, Pesarattu, Uthappam, Puttu from south India and Chiru, rice from northeastern India.

The article also suggests a perfect breakfast which is a combination of various breakfasts from different parts of India.

You can read this informative and interesting article here at Gobar Times. (the website is unavailable)

Updated Article With Information By Hindu Blog

India offers a rich tapestry of breakfast dishes, each reflecting the diverse culinary heritage of its regions. Let's explore some of these traditional breakfasts and their nutritional value:

Aloo Paratha (Punjab): Aloo Paratha is a popular breakfast dish made from whole wheat dough stuffed with a spiced mixture of mashed potatoes. It's usually served with yogurt, pickle, or butter. This dish provides carbohydrates from the wheat flour, along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from potatoes.

Sheermal (Jammu and Kashmir): Sheermal is a saffron-flavored traditional bread made with milk, flour, sugar, and saffron. It's slightly sweet and often served with butter or a side dish. Sheermal offers carbohydrates, proteins from milk, and some essential minerals.

Pitha (Eastern India): Pitha is a broad category of traditional rice-based cakes or dumplings found in Eastern India, especially in states like Assam, Odisha, and West Bengal. They can be sweet or savory and are made from ingredients like rice flour, coconut, jaggery, or lentils. Depending on the type, Pitha can provide carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients.

Luchi and Cholar Dal (Eastern India): Luchi is a deep-fried flatbread made from refined flour (maida), while Cholar Dal is a Bengali-style lentil curry made with chana dal (split chickpeas). Together, they offer a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Poha (Maharashtra): Poha is a popular Maharashtrian breakfast made from flattened rice flakes cooked with onions, potatoes, peanuts, and spices. It's light, easy to digest, and provides carbohydrates, fiber, and some proteins.

Kachori (Rajasthan): Kachori is a deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy mixture of lentils or peas. While it's delicious, it's also high in calories and fats due to deep frying. Moderation is key when consuming Kachori.

Dhokla (Gujarat): Dhokla is a steamed savory cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour batter. It's low in calories, rich in protein, and provides essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron.

Pesarattu (South India): Pesarattu is a type of dosa made from green gram (moong dal) batter. It's high in protein, fiber, and nutrients like iron and potassium.

Uthappam (South India): Uthappam is a thick pancake-like dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It's topped with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and green chilies. Uthappam is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Puttu (South India): Puttu is a traditional breakfast dish from Kerala made with rice flour and grated coconut, steamed in cylindrical bamboo or metal tubes. It's often served with bananas, chickpea curry, or grated coconut. Puttu offers carbohydrates, fiber, and some proteins.

Chiru and Rice (Northeastern India): Chiru is a traditional breakfast dish made from powdered rice and water, similar to a rice porridge. It's usually served with boiled rice, providing carbohydrates and some essential nutrients.

Each of these breakfast dishes offers a unique blend of flavors and nutritional benefits, contributing to the richness of India's culinary landscape. Enjoying these dishes in moderation as part of a balanced diet can provide a wide array of nutrients to start your day on a healthy note.