healthy breakfast

Egg Sunny Side Up

Sunny Side Up (Desi Anda Fry)

Ingredients

  • 1–2 eggs
  • 1–2 tsp oil or ghee (ghee = extra yum)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • A pinch of red chilli powder
  • A pinch of turmeric (haldi)
  • Optional but very Indian:
    • A pinch of garam masala OR chaat masala
    • Finely chopped green chilli (if you like heat)
    • Little chopped coriander for garnish

Method

  1. Heat a small pan on medium-low heat. Add oil or ghee.
  2. Once hot, gently crack the egg into the pan. Don’t break the yolk.
  3. Sprinkle salt, pepper, red chilli powder, and a tiny pinch of turmeric over the egg white (avoid the yolk if you want it runny).
  4. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook slowly until:
    • Whites are fully set
    • Yolk stays bright and runny (sunny side up vibes ☀️)
  5. Switch off the heat. Sprinkle garam masala or chaat masala on top.
  6. Garnish with coriander if using.

How to make Moong Dal Idli


Ingredients:

  • Yellow moong dal (split yellow gram) – 1 cup
  • Rice – ½ cup (optional, for extra softness; you can skip for 100% moong dal idli)
  • Yogurt (curd) – ¼ cup (or water if you want it vegan)
  • Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
  • Green chili – 1, finely chopped (optional)
  • Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Baking soda – ½ tsp (optional, for extra fluffiness)
  • Oil or ghee – to grease the idli molds

Instructions:

1. Soak the dal (and rice, if using)

  • Wash 1 cup moong dal (and ½ cup rice) thoroughly.
  • Soak in water for 3–4 hours.

2. Grind into batter

  • Drain the soaked dal (and rice).
  • Grind into a smooth batter using a little water (start with ¼ cup water, add more if needed).
  • Batter should be thick but pourable, like regular idli batter.

3. Fermentation (optional)

  • Add ¼ cup yogurt to the batter.
  • Mix well and leave it to ferment for 4–6 hours in a warm place.
    (If you skip fermentation, add ½ tsp baking soda before steaming for fluffiness.)

4. Add seasonings

  • Mix in salt, grated ginger, green chili, and cumin seeds.

5. Steam the idlis

  • Grease the idli molds with oil or ghee.
  • Pour the batter into molds.
  • Steam in an idli steamer or pressure cooker (without whistle) for 12–15 minutes.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

6. Serve

  • Let the idlis cool for a few minutes, then remove from molds.
  • Serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or tomato chutney.

Tips:

  • For extra softness, soak dal + rice longer (4–6 hours).
  • You can skip rice entirely for a protein-packed, gluten-free version.
  • Add a few finely chopped curry leaves or grated carrot for flavor and nutrition.
  • Don’t overfill the idli molds; batter rises during steaming.

One-Pot Quinoa With Spinach & Chickpeas

Serves: 2–3

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 20 min


🥘 Ingredients

Base

  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed well)
  • 1 can chickpeas (or 1.5 cups cooked)
  • 2 cups spinach (fresh or 1 cup frozen)
  • 2.25 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped (or ½ cup canned tomatoes)
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 1 green chili, slit (optional)

Spices

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1–1.5 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp red chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Oil

  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil, ghee, or coconut oil

Optional add-ins

  • ½ tsp amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

🍲 Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat.
  2. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds; let them crackle.
  3. Add onion, sauté until translucent (3–4 minutes).
  4. Add ginger, garlic, and green chili; sauté for 1 minute.
  5. Add tomatoes and cook until soft and pulpy.
  6. Add all dry spices (turmeric, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder); cook 1 minute.
  7. Add chickpeas and mix to coat with spices.
  8. Add rinsed quinoa, toast for 1–2 minutes.
  9. Add water or broth, bring to a boil.
  10. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy.
  11. Stir in spinach, cover again for 2–3 minutes to wilt.
  12. Add salt, lemon juice, and adjust seasoning.
  13. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Healthy Ragi Mudde Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 1 cup ragi (finger millet) flour
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ tsp ghee (optional but recommended for flavor & easier rolling)
  • ¼–½ tsp salt (optional)
  • (Optional healthy additions)
    • 1–2 tbsp cooked tur dal water / veggie stock (for extra nutrition)
    • 1 tsp flaxseed powder or chia seeds (optional)

🥣 Instructions

1. Boil water

  • In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
  • Add salt and ½ tsp ghee.

2. Mix ragi slurry (important for lump-free mudde)

  • In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp ragi flour with ¼ cup water to make a smooth paste.
  • Add this paste to the boiling water while stirring — this prevents lumps.

3. Add remaining ragi flour

  • Reduce heat to low.
  • Add the rest of the ragi flour in one go.
  • Do NOT stir immediately; let it steam for 1 minute.

4. Stir and cook

  • With a sturdy spoon (or mudde katti), mix vigorously until it forms a smooth dough-like ball.
  • Cook covered for 3–4 minutes on low heat.

5. Shape the mudde

  • Wet your palms with cold water or apply a drop of ghee.
  • Roll the hot ragi mixture into smooth balls.

✔️ Healthy Tips

  • Add dal water instead of plain water for protein boost.
  • Use minimal ghee—just enough for shaping (optional).
  • Great to pair with:
    • Sambar
    • Bassaru
    • Chicken or mutton saaru
    • Coconut chutney + rasam

🍽️ Nutrition Benefits

  • High in fiber → good for digestion
  • Rich in calcium & iron
  • Low glycemic index → diabetic-friendly
  • Gluten-free

healthy Indian-style Paneer Masala Oats


Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • Paneer (cottage cheese) – 100 g, cubed
  • Rolled oats – ½ cup
  • Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
  • Tomato – 1 medium, finely chopped or pureed
  • Green chili – 1, finely chopped (optional)
  • Ginger-garlic paste – ½ tsp
  • Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
  • Red chili powder – ½ tsp
  • Coriander powder – ½ tsp
  • Garam masala – ¼ tsp
  • Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
  • Oil – 1 tsp (preferably olive or sunflower)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Water / low-fat milk – 1 cup
  • Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

Instructions

  1. Roast the oats (optional, for nuttiness):
    Dry roast the oats in a pan for 2–3 minutes on medium heat until they turn slightly golden. Keep aside.
  2. Prepare the masala:
    Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, let them splutter. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
  3. Add aromatics:
    Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili. Sauté for 1 minute until raw smell disappears.
  4. Cook tomatoes & spices:
    Add chopped/pureed tomato, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the masala (2–3 minutes).
  5. Add paneer:
    Add paneer cubes, gently mix so they are coated with the masala.
  6. Add oats and liquid:
    Add roasted oats and 1 cup water (or milk for creaminess). Stir well and cook on medium heat for 3–5 minutes until oats are soft and cooked. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
  7. Finish with garam masala & garnish:
    Sprinkle garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Mix gently.
  8. Serve hot:
    Enjoy as a healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Tips for extra healthiness:

  • Use low-fat paneer or homemade paneer to reduce calories.
  • Add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.

Healthy Veggie Bread Roll (Baked / Air-Fried)

✅ Ingredients (for 4 rolls)

  • 4 whole wheat bread slices
  • 1 large boiled potato, mashed
  • ¼ cup mixed veggies (peas/carrots/corn) OR use only potato if you want super simple
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ tsp red chilli powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala (optional)
  • ½ tsp chaat masala (optional)
  • 1 tsp coriander (optional)
  • 1 tsp oil (for brushing)

👩‍🍳 Instructions (very simple)

1. Make the filling

In a bowl, mix:
✔ mashed potato
✔ veggies
✔ salt + chilli + garam masala
That’s it.

2. Prepare the bread

  • Take 1 slice, dip your fingers in water and lightly wet the bread (don’t soak it).
  • Flatten gently with your hand or rolling pin.

3. Fill

  • Add 1 big spoon of filling in the center.
  • Roll it tightly and press the edges to seal.

4. Cook (choose one)

A. Tawa / Pan (easiest)

  • Brush ½ tsp oil on the roll.
  • Cook on low flame, rotate till all sides turn golden.

B. Air Fryer

  • 180°C for 8–10 mins.

C. Oven

  • 200°C for 12–15 mins.

⭐ Ready to Serve!

⭐ Serving

Serve with green chutney, mint yogurt dip, or ketchup.

Ragi Mudde (Finger Millet Mini Balls)

🌾 Ingredients (for 2 servings / about 6 mini balls)

  • Ragi (finger millet) flour – ½ cup (60 g)
  • Water – 1 cup (250 ml)
  • Salt – ¼ tsp
  • Ghee / oil – ½ tsp (optional)

Optional for flavor:

  • A pinch of jeera (cumin) or hing (asafoetida)
  • 1 tsp grated coconut or chopped coriander for garnish

🍳 Instructions

  1. Boil Water:
    In a small pan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add salt (and cumin/hing if using).
  2. Add Ragi Flour:
    Slowly sprinkle the ragi flour into the boiling water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  3. Cook:
    Lower the flame, cover, and let it cook for 3–4 minutes until the water is absorbed and the mixture thickens like a dough.
  4. Knead:
    Turn off the heat. Wet your hand slightly and knead the dough (using a wooden spoon if too hot) for 1–2 minutes till it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Shape:
    Make small balls (ping-pong size). You’ll get about 6–8 mini mudde from this quantity.
  6. Serve:
    Enjoy warm with:
    • Plain curd (low-fat) + salt
    • Sambar or rasam
    • Or drizzle a little ghee + chutney podi for flavor

💪 Nutritional Info (Approx per serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories~160 kcal
Protein~5 g
Carbs~28 g
Fiber~3 g
Fat~2 g (depends on ghee used)

🧠 Health Benefits

✅ Keeps you full for long — low GI, slow energy release
✅ Excellent for fat loss & diabetes control
✅ Rich in calcium, iron, and amino acids
✅ Improves gut health & digestion
✅ Gluten-free

Namkeen Overnight Oats (Savory Indian Style)

🥣 Ingredients (1 serving)

  • Rolled oats – ½ cup
  • Water or buttermilk (chaas) – ¾ cup (adjust for texture)
  • Curd (yogurt) – 2 tbsp (optional, for tang)
  • Onion (pyaaz) – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
  • Cucumber – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
  • Green chilli – ½ tsp, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Lemon juice – ½ tsp
  • Fresh coriander – 1 tbsp, chopped

Tempering (Tadka):

  • Ghee – 1 tsp
  • Mustard seeds (rai) – ½ tsp
  • Curry leaves (kadi patta) – 5–6 leaves
  • Optional: a pinch of hing (asafoetida)

👩‍🍳 Method

  1. Soak the oats:
  • In a bowl, mix rolled oats with water (or chaas) and a little salt.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4–6 hours).
  1. Prepare tempering:
  • In a small pan, heat ghee.
  • Add mustard seeds; let them crackle.
  • Add curry leaves (and hing, if using). Turn off heat.
  1. Combine:
  • Take the soaked oats from the fridge.
  • Add chopped onion, cucumber, green chilli, and coriander.
  • Mix in the tadka (tempering).
  • Add lemon juice and adjust salt.
  1. Serve:
  • Eat cold (like a refreshing chaas-oats salad) or slightly warm it if you prefer.

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Add grated carrot, tomato, or boiled corn for more texture.
  • For protein, mix in a spoon of roasted chana powder or curd.
  • You can replace ghee with sesame oil for a South Indian twist.
  • Top with roasted peanuts or seeds if you want crunch (even though you’re skipping nuts).

Healthy Indian-Style Tawa Frankie Roll

🌾 Ingredients (makes 2 rolls)

For the roti / wrap:

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta)
  • 1 tsp oil (optional)
  • Salt – a pinch
  • Water – as needed

For the filling:

  • 1 tsp olive oil / mustard oil / ghee
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
  • 1 small onion – sliced
  • 1 small capsicum – sliced
  • ½ carrot – grated
  • ¼ cup cabbage – shredded
  • ½ cup boiled and cubed paneer / tofu / boiled potato / chicken (choose one)
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • ½ tsp coriander powder (dhaniya powder)
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice
  • Salt – to taste
  • Fresh coriander – chopped

For the chutney spread:

  • 2 tbsp thick curd or hung curd (dahi)
  • 1 tbsp green chutney (mint-coriander chutney)
  • A pinch of black salt
  • ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder

Optional toppings:

  • Sliced onion rings tossed in vinegar or lemon juice
  • Lettuce leaves or shredded cabbage for crunch

🔥 Method

1. Prepare the roti:

  • Mix atta, salt, and a bit of oil with water to make a soft dough.
  • Rest for 10–15 minutes.
  • Roll out thin rotis and cook on a tawa until light brown spots appear on both sides.
  • You can brush lightly with oil or ghee.

2. Make the filling:

  • Heat 1 tsp oil in a non-stick pan.
  • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add onions and sauté till light golden.
  • Add capsicum, carrot, and cabbage; sauté 2–3 minutes (keep them slightly crunchy).
  • Add your protein (paneer, tofu, potato, or chicken) and all the masalas.
  • Mix well and cook 2–3 more minutes.
  • Finish with lemon juice and chopped coriander.

3. Prepare the chutney spread:

  • Mix hung curd, green chutney, roasted cumin powder, and black salt.
  • Keep it chilled until use.

4. Assemble the frankie:

  • Place a roti on a plate.
  • Spread 1–2 tsp of the chutney mix.
  • Add the hot filling in the center.
  • Top with onion rings or cabbage.
  • Roll tightly like a wrap.

5. Toast the roll (optional):

  • Place the roll back on the tawa and toast gently on all sides with a few drops of oil until golden.

🌿 Healthy Tips:

  • Use whole wheat or jowar rotis instead of maida wraps.
  • Replace paneer with tofu or sprouts for a vegan version.
  • Use low-fat curd and minimal oil.

Healthy Chicken Salami Cheese Sandwich (Indian Style)

📝 Ingredients (for 2 sandwiches):

  • 4 slices of whole wheat or multigrain bread (preferably toasted)
  • 4–6 slices of chicken salami (grilled or lightly pan-seared)
  • 2 slices of low-fat cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Amul Lite)
  • ½ small onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ small tomato, thinly sliced
  • ½ small cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tbsp hung curd or Greek yogurt (for healthier spread)
  • ½ tsp chaat masala or sandwich masala
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Fresh coriander or mint leaves, chopped
  • 1 tsp olive oil or ghee (optional for toasting)

🔥 Preparation:

  1. Prepare the spread:
    • In a small bowl, mix hung curd, black pepper, a pinch of chaat masala, and a few chopped coriander/mint leaves. You can add a little mustard or mint chutney for extra flavor.
  2. Grill or sear the salami:
    • Lightly sear chicken salami slices on a non-stick pan for 1-2 minutes per side (optional but adds flavor and reduces moisture).
  3. Assemble the sandwich:
    • Spread the yogurt mixture on one side of each bread slice.
    • Layer with:
      • Chicken salami
      • Cheese slice
      • Onion, tomato, and cucumber slices
      • Sprinkle more chaat masala if desired
      • Add green chili (if using) for a spicy kick
  4. Toast it (optional):
    • Grill or toast the sandwich on a pan or sandwich maker until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy. Use a few drops of oil or ghee for toasting if desired.

🥗 Tips for Healthier Version:

  • Use low-fat cheese or paneer slices instead.
  • Choose multigrain or oat bread with high fiber.
  • Add lettuce or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Avoid mayonnaise; use yogurt, mustard, or homemade chutneys instead.