Mornings can often feel rushed and routine, but what if you could transform them into a delightful culinary experience? Welcome to "Deliciously Desi," where we invite you to explore the vibrant world of Gujarati breakfast recipes and snacks! Known for their rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, these dishes will not only fill your stomach but also warm your heart.
From fluffy theplas to crispy dhoklas, there’s a cheerful array of options that will elevate your morning routine. Whether you're an early riser or a late starter, the 10 easy recipes we’ve curated are perfect for every palate. So, get ready to awaken your senses and indulge in the tastes of Gujarat, as you spice up your breakfast with these delightful creations that are both simple to make and full of flavor.
Let’s embark on this delicious journey together and turn your mornings into a feast!
In Gujarati homes, breakfast is a must; it is not a 'maybe.' It’s the breakfast that powers the morning scramble out of the door and frequently serves as a sidekick to chai.
The idea is simple: Begin light, begin right! A lot of breakfast items are steamed, thus not heavily spiced foods, and those are made with fermented batters or healthy flour, so that is enough to keep you going throughout the day.
And then there’s always the comfort of homemade pickles, chutneys, and masala chai to bind the whole experience into one!
Here are some timeless favourites that still rule Gujarati kitchens:
- Khaman Dhokla: Soft, fluffy, Sweet, and tangy.
- Thepla: Spiced flatbread that is perfect for travel.
- Aval Upma: Easy and light for those quick mornings.
- Handvo: Crispy, savory cake made of lentils and veggies.
- Muthiya: Steam or deep-fried dumplings made with green leafy vegetables.
These are the dishes that have stood the test of time, because they aren’t just delicious, they are also practical.
Let’s make your mornings easier with new, no-recipe-required recipes of popular breakfast and brunch dishes:
Instant Khaman
Combine besan, sugar, lemon juice, eno, and water. Steam for 15 minutes. Season with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. Done!
Thepla (Beginner-Friendly Version)
Mix wheat flour, methi, turmeric, chilli powder, curd, and a little oil. Puncture, roll, and fry on the tawa. Even first-timers get it right.
Quick Poha
Lightly rinse poha, then stir-fry it with onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. A squeeze of lemon, and breakfast is ready.
Instant Handvo in a Pan
Recipe: Take a packet bought handvo flour, combine it with curd and vegetables, add to a pan, and cook covered. No oven, no stress.
Steamed Muthiya
Combine atta or besan, grated lauki/palak, and spices into a log and steam it for 15-20 minutes.
Simple, nutritious, and great for your first brew!
Trying to eat healthier? Gujarati cuisine is perfect for you. Because, as it turns out, this cuisine has several ingredients that are advantageous for our body and also offers a plethora of healthy benefits. And the best part, it doesn't come with any complicated recipes or preparations.
In fact, these breakfast items are easy to make and offer a ton of healthy benefits as well. Here are a few of these, which you can try!
- Multigrain Thepla: Mix in ragi, jowar, and bajra flour.
- Sprouts Poha: Increases the protein content without compromising on the original taste.
- Oats Dhokla: A Healthy version of the original made with oats as a base.
- Baked Handvo: Crisp on the outside, soft within, and oil-free.
- Small swaps, big benefits!
And the best part? Gujarati breakfast is never without its little sidekicks:
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Masala Chai
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Green Coriander Chutney
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Sweet Mango Chunda
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Khakhra
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Dry Fruit Chikki
These add texture, taste sensation, and morning decadence to your hustle. These snacks pack the perfect punch to add the flavour profile of your breakfast items. These items go well with most of the breakfast dishes that we have discussed.
Masala chai is a great way to finish your breakfast. The hot steaming beverage comes with the best of the masalas that give a perfect closure to a tasty and wonderful breakfast. On the other hand, the green coriander chutney comes with the ideal taste punch, which complements dhoklas.
If you like a sweet addition to your breakfast, then the sweet mango chunda is the best companion. It has the sweetness of mango and also the slight tanginess, which makes this perfect. The khakaras, meanwhile, are an irresistible delight for those who love to munch on something of the other.
The beauty of the dry fruit chakki lies in its hard texture and the sweetness it oozes. This chakki, ideally made with jaggery, brings the nutty flavour of your favourite dry fruits and is a good accomplice for your favourite breakfasts.
Want faster mornings? Try these tricks:
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Prep batters the night before (dhokla, handvo).
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Store homemade spice mixes like dhokla masala and thepla masala.
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Pre-cut veggies to save time during busy weekdays.
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Keep ready-to-eat items like khakhra, sev, and chikki handy.
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Use an electric steamer for perfect dhoklas every time.
In Gujarati kitchens, everything tends to revolve around a few key ingredients:
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Besan (gram flour)
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Semolina (rava)
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Curd
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Wheat flour
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Fresh coriander
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Sesame seeds
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Mustard seeds
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Turmeric & chilli powder
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Jaggery
The above ingredients make Gujarati breakfasts delicious and relatively light, a perfect compromise!
Here, it is all about Gujarati food being presented and made with love :
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Serve dhoklas with a liberal douse of sweet-and-tangy tempering.
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Serve the plass with dahi, chutney, ey, or any homemade pickle.
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Serve poha with a lemon wedge and a dash of fresh coriander.
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Serve handvo with green chutney and a hot cup of chai.
And a meal is always better when you can share it with your family.
There is nothing fancy about breakfasts in Gujarati homes; es, they are simple and soulful dishes, just full of flavour. Whether you’re hankering for something light like poha or a bit more substantial, such as handvo, pick your dish to suit your mood. With a little forethought and a handful of pantry staples, you can recreate the soothing, zesty flavours of Gujarat in your morning without having to wake up any earlier.
So tomorrow morning, you know what… say no to the boring breakfast, and a yummy desi yes!
1. Can I make these Gujarati breakfasts without a steamer or special equipment?
Yes! Use a regular deep kadhai/pan with a stand and lid as a steamer for dhokla and muthiya. For handvo, cook it covered on a tawa or non-stick pan. No oven is needed.
2. Are these recipes suitable for diabetics or people watching their sugar intake?
Absolutely. Skip or reduce jaggery/sugar in tempering, use multigrain flours, baked versions of handvo, and oats/sprouts variations mentioned.
3. How long can I store the batters or cooked items?
Dhokla/handvo batter stays fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. Cooked dhokla lasts 2 days at room temperature or 4-5 days refrigerated.
4. I don’t like methi (fenugreek leaves) in thepla. Can I skip it or replace it?
Yes, many people make plain masala thepla without methi. You can also replace methi with grated doodhi (bottlegourd), spinach, or finely chopped coriander for a different flavor.
5. What can I serve with these breakfast items if I don’t have time to make chutney or pickle?
Quick options: plain curd/yoghurt with a little salt and roasted jeera powder, store-bought green chutney, tomato ketchup, or even a simple squeeze of lemon and sev on top.
6. Are these dishes kid-friendly? My children don’t eat spicy food.
Definitely! Reduce or skip green chillies and red chilli powder completely. Kids love soft khaman, plain or mildly spiced thepla with curd, poha, and sweetish handvo.
