10+ Indian Porridge Recipes for a Warm and Nutritious Start to Your Day

Indian porridge recipes offer a delightful way to start your day. These comforting dishes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for breakfast or a light meal.

With a variety of ingredients and flavors, you can enjoy different types of porridge that reflect India’s rich culinary traditions.

From sweet versions with fruits and nuts to savory options packed with spices, there is something for everyone. You can explore the versatility of these recipes, whether you like the texture of oats, rice, or cracked wheat. Enjoy discovering new ways to enjoy this wholesome food!

1) Cracked Wheat Porridge with Jaggery

Cracked wheat porridge with jaggery is a warm and nutritious dish. This comforting recipe is simple and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

To make it, you’ll need cracked wheat, jaggery, milk, and some spices if you like. The use of jaggery gives it a rich flavor.

Start by cooking the cracked wheat until it softens. Then, mix in the milk and jaggery until everything is well combined. You can enjoy it warm or chill it for later.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cracked wheat
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup jaggery (or to taste)
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: cardamom or cinnamon for flavor

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the cracked wheat under cold water.
2. In a pot, add cracked wheat and 4 cups of water. Cook until soft.
3. Add milk and jaggery. Stir until jaggery dissolves.
4. Optionally, add spices for extra flavor.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

2) Traditional Lentil Rice Kitcheri

Traditional Kitcheri is a simple and nourishing dish made with rice and lentils. It is common in Indian cuisine and is often enjoyed for its health benefits. This comforting porridge is easy to prepare and can be a great option for any meal.

To make Kitcheri, you will need a few basic ingredients. This dish is usually flavored with spices like ginger and turmeric, adding warmth and health benefits.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup split yellow mung dal (lentils)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, heat ghee or oil over medium heat.
3. Add ginger and sauté for a minute.
4. Add turmeric and rice, stirring for a couple of minutes.
5. Add lentils, water, and salt. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
7. Stir occasionally until everything is soft and creamy. Enjoy!

3) Savory Oatmeal with Vegetables

Savory oatmeal is a tasty way to start your day. You can make it with a mix of fresh vegetables and spices. This dish is not only healthy but also very filling.

To prepare, cook rolled oats in water or vegetable broth. Then add diced onions, tomatoes, and green chilies. You can also throw in some spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Spice it up with ginger garlic paste and a pinch of turmeric. Cook everything together until the vegetables are tender. Serve warm, topped with fresh coriander.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 green chili, sliced
• 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring vegetable broth or water to a boil.
2. Add rolled oats and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in chopped onion and tomato.
4. Add green chili, ginger garlic paste, and turmeric.
5. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.

4) Rava Upma with Cashews

Rava Upma is a popular South Indian dish that’s perfect for breakfast. It’s made with semolina and is quick to prepare. Adding cashews gives a nice crunch and extra flavor.

To start, roast the semolina in a pan until it’s light golden. This enhances its taste. In another pan, heat oil or ghee and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and raw cashews.

Once the seeds pop, add chopped vegetables like peas or carrots if you like. Then, pour in water and bring it to a boil. Slowly add the roasted semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and the semolina is soft.

You can enjoy Rava Upma hot, garnished with coriander leaves. It’s a delicious and filling dish!

Ingredients

• 1 cup semolina (rava)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• ½ cup cashews
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast semolina in a pan until light golden.
2. In another pan, heat ghee or oil.
3. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; let them pop.
4. Stir in cashews and cook for a minute.
5. Add water and bring it to a boil.
6. Slowly mix in roasted semolina, stirring constantly.
7. Cook until thickened and semolina is soft.
8. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

5) Tomato and Carrot Masala Oats

Tomato and carrot masala oats offer a warm and savory breakfast option. This dish combines rolled oats with fresh vegetables and spices, making it tasty and nutritious.

To start, you’ll need some chopped tomatoes and finely diced carrots. These veggies not only add flavor but also give your meal a bright and colorful look.

You can enhance the taste by adding spices like cumin and turmeric. Cooking the oats with these ingredients brings everything together into a comforting bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 small carrot, finely diced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Sauté tomatoes and carrots for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add turmeric and salt.
5. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
6. Stir in the oats and cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

6) Oats Kanji with Coconut Milk

Oats Kanji is a comforting South Indian porridge. You can prepare it easily with oats and coconut milk. This dish is warm, soothing, and perfect for breakfast.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need rolled oats, thin coconut milk, and some spices for flavor. You can also add garlic for an extra kick.

Here’s how to make it. First, cook the rolled oats in water until they are soft. Then, stir in thin coconut milk and heat gently. Season with salt and spices.

Once ready, serve hot. You can garnish with coriander leaves or a sprinkle of spices for a beautiful touch. Enjoy this delicious and simple dish!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups thin coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Spices (like cumin or pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rolled oats in water on medium heat.
2. Stir until soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Add thin coconut milk and mix well.
4. Season with salt and spices.
5. Heat gently and stir for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with coriander leaves if desired.

7) Sweet Daliya with Nuts

Sweet Daliya is a warm and comforting porridge that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made from cracked wheat, it has a lovely texture and flavor.

To make this dish, you can use ingredients like nuts for added crunch. Toasted almonds and pistachios are great choices. They enhance the taste and bring a nutty flavor to your porridge.

You can sweeten it with sugar or honey. Adding a sprinkle of cardamom can give it a lovely aroma.

This dish is healthy and filling, making it a favorite for many.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cracked wheat (Daliya)
• 2 cups milk (or almond milk)
• 1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds, slivered
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
2. Add cracked wheat and toast for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.
3. Pour in the milk and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and add sugar and a pinch of salt.
5. Stir in nuts and cardamom powder.
6. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

8) Jaggery Sweetened Oatmeal

Jaggery sweetened oatmeal is a delicious and healthy breakfast option. It combines the goodness of oats with the rich sweetness of jaggery. This dish is perfect for starting your day on a warm note.

To make this dish, you simply cook oats in water or milk. Once the oats are soft, stir in grated jaggery. You can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom.

This oatmeal is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. It will keep you full and energized throughout the morning.

Ingredients

• 1 cup instant oats
• 2 cups water or milk
• 1/4 cup grated jaggery
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring water or milk to a boil.
2. Add the oats and cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat.
3. Once the oats are soft, remove from heat.
4. Stir in grated jaggery until it melts.
5. Add cinnamon and cardamom if desired. Enjoy!

9) Garlic Spiced Oats Drink

This Garlic Spiced Oats Drink is a flavorful twist on traditional porridge. It combines the nutrition of oats with the unique taste of garlic, making it perfect for breakfast.

You start by cooking oats in coconut milk for a creamy texture. Then, add minced garlic, salt, and a pinch of spices for extra flavor.

This drink is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Serve it warm for the best taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Spices (like cumin or pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine the rolled oats and coconut milk.
2. Heat on medium and stir occasionally until the oats are soft.
3. Add minced garlic and salt.
4. Then, stir in the spices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

10) Nutty Semolina Porridge

Nutty semolina porridge is a delicious way to start your day. It combines the smooth texture of semolina with the crunch of your favorite nuts. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with energy.

To make this porridge, you will need semolina, nuts like almonds or cashews, and milk. You can also add a bit of honey for sweetness.

Cooking is simple. Just toast the semolina lightly, add milk, and stir until it thickens. Then, mix in the nuts for extra flavor.

Enjoy your warm bowl of nutty semolina porridge with some fresh fruit on top!

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup fine semolina
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds or cashews)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Toast the semolina for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly.
4. Cook until the mixture thickens.
5. Stir in the nuts and honey, if using.
6. Serve warm, topped with fruit if desired.