Deciding what to have for breakfast can be a struggle. It gets even more complex when you want to prioritise protein in your diet – whether you are planning to build muscles or trying to manage diabetes and cholesterol.
But why does it get more complex than ever? Well, precisely because most people think there are only limited vegetarian options rich in protein. While there is no denying that the vegetarian options are fewer than non-vegetarian options. But there are still options to choose from – yes for breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Hence, you cannot let it be deficient in protein.
This blog will list some of the healthiest protein-rich breakfast options. So keep reading while planning your breakfast at the same time.
Dalia
Dalia is a popular breakfast option in the Indian household. The good news is, with a few variations you can make it protein-rich. The moderation is that you have to prepare dalia out of dal, moong dal to be precise.
To cook dal dalia, dry roast dalia for 3-4 minutes in a pressure cooker. Once it is roasted, add red chilli powder, cumin seeds, ghee and whole red chillies and mix them well. Following that, add moong dal along with some chopped vegetables of your choice. Mix well and add salt and water as per taste and preference. Close the cooker till 2 whistles. Serve hot.
Sprout and chana salad
Sprout-chana salad is one of the easiest-to-prepare high-protein breakfast options. It can be your go-to option if you want to have something light and are in a rush.
To get started, wash moong daal and chana 2-3 times before soaking them overnight. In the morning, steam them. Chop vegetables of your choice. Add masalas and seasoning as per choice and taste.
Paneer roti
When you think of parantha, you’d call it unhealthy. It is, and a BIG NO if you are trying to reduce cholesterol. But what about paneer roti? Yes, it can be made. In fact, it is as yummy as the latter and healthier as well.
To prepare it, follow the same procedure as you would follow to make paneer parantha, but don’t use oil. You can add more protein to it by having it with curd.
Soya pancakes
When it comes to high-protein vegetarian options, soya is at the top. It has the highest protein content, so why not use it to prepare breakfast?
Consider soya pancakes the Indian version of yummy pancakes you see in Hollywood films. To prepare it, you will require soy flour, oats, chillies, coriander and ginger-garlic paste. Combine these ingredients into a batter and fry. Enjoy it with chutney or curd.
Paneer chilla
Chilla is another popular high-protein breakfast option. You can prepare a chilla using moong daal or besan.
To begin with, take besan in a bowl. Then add black pepper, salt, grated paneer, onion, grated green chillies, coriander leaves and ajwain. Whisk these ingredients in a bowl with water to prepare a mixture. Now take a pan and put the besan mixture and fry it till it turns crispy, brown and solid. Add some onion, grated paneer, black pepper and coriander leaves to it. Fold it and serve hot with pudina chutney.
Paneer sandwich
If you are a fan of sandwiches, but only know how to prepare sandwiches with cheese dressing, butter and jam, a paneer sandwich will be a sheer healthier delight for you.
Take brown bread, chop some paneer pieces, and add them in between breads. Add pudina chutney to the base, and grill the sandwiches. Enjoy it with the chutney of your choice. It’s that simple.
Dal dosa
What can be healthier than dal? So, how about making a dosa out of dal? Also known as Adai dosa, it’s a blend of soaked toor dal, yellow moon dal, channa and rice. Prepare a batter of these ingredients by adding them to a blender. Put the batter in a pan to fry. Serve hot with coconut chutney.
Closing thoughts
Adding high-protein Indian breakfast options into your daily routine can add a delicious twist to your mornings while keeping you fueled up for the day ahead. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavours or prefer something with a modern twist, there’s something for everyone. By choosing these protein-packed options, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also providing your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. So why not spice up your breakfast routine and enjoy the benefits of a satisfying and nutritious start to your day?