Starting the day on a healthy note helps one to function well throughout the day. If your breakfast is filled with greasy and sugary foods, you may be at the risk of setting a lethargic mood for the rest of the day. On the other hand, lentil-loaded breakfasts provide you with an extra boost of nutrition and energy throughout the day. From moong dal to chana dal and green gram, there are several kinds of dals that can be added to your breakfast.
Take chilla, for instance. Although this Indian crepe is made with besan or gram flour, a healthy twist can be added to your breakfast by making it with lentils like moong dal. This ensures that you can have your favourite morning meal with a dose of health. Here are some recipes that you can try at home.
1. Urad Dal Paratha
Got some leftover dal from yesterday? No worries, you can easily dunk them into a paratha the next morning. Parathas are a type of Indian flatbread that is made with a variety of ingredients, including wheat flour and sometimes, with stuffings. In this recipe, the urad dal is mixed with the paratha dough. Chopped onions can be added to it and then, the dough is rolled out into circular shapes to be tossed on the tawa.
2. Moong Dal Chilla
Chilla is a crispy desi pancake that is made with gram flour. The flour usually has chopped onions, coriander leaves and a host of spices mixed in it. Instead of gram flour, moong dal is added to the mix and the batter is poured on the pan. Flipped on both sides, it is cooked well until golden-brown and served hot with green chutney.
3. Mixed Dal Dosa
Why have the nutrition of one when you can three in one? This mixed dal dosa will become your favourite breakfast soon. Made with toor dal, urad dal and chana dal, the South Indian pancake is a thin and crispy version of regular pancakes. This protein-loaded breakfast is a superb combination of health and taste. Instead of rice flour, the dosa is made with lentils and served with coconut chutney.
4. Moong Dal Poha
Made with the goodness of moong dal, this poha is a quick and easy breakfast recipe. The poha aka beaten rice is popularly eaten for breakfast across several states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. Filled with lentils, the poha is spruced up with chopped onions, boiled potatoes and garnished with crunchy peanuts. This is a wholesome breakfast recipe that can be made in a jiffy.
5. Green Moong Dal Sprouts
This is a super-healthy and light breakfast for days when you don’t feel like cooking. The green moong dal is sprouted a few days in advance. After the sprouts have grown, the dal is tossed with onions, tomatoes, coriander leaves, and green chillies. Spruced up with spices like turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt, the taste is enhanced with the addition of chaat masala.
