From Poha Jalebi To Sabudana Khichdi: Central India's Best Breakfast Dishes

Central India is a melting pot of diverse cultures and cuisines. The region is known for its rich history, breathtaking natural beauty, and mouth-watering cuisine. Comprising of states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Maharashtra, Central India offers a unique culinary experience that is bound to delight any food lover. In this article, we explore the best breakfast dishes from this region and take a closer look at the cuisine of each state. From spicy curries to steaming hot snacks, Central India's breakfast dishes are as diverse as its landscape. So, buckle up and get ready for a culinary journey through the heart of India. 

Poha Jalebi 

Khasta Kachori 

Khasta Kachori is a popular breakfast dish in Central India, particularly in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a deep-fried pastry filled with spicy lentil or potato stuffing that is often served with a side of tangy tamarind chutney. The outer layer of the pastry is made of all-purpose flour and semolina, which gives it a crisp and flaky texture. The filling is made of a mixture of lentils, onions, and spices that are cooked until they are soft and flavorful. Some variations also include a potato-based filling, which is equally delicious. Khasta Kachori is often enjoyed as a breakfast item with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It is also a popular street food and is sold in many local shops and food stalls throughout Central India. 

Palak Poori 

Palak Poori is a delightful breakfast dish that is popular in Central India. This dish is made by adding finely chopped spinach leaves to the dough made of wheat flour, salt, and other spices. The addition of spinach not only imparts a beautiful green colour to the dough but also makes it healthier and more flavorful. The dough is then rolled out into small circles and deep-fried in oil until it puffs up and turns golden brown. The result is a crispy and delicious poori that is best served hot with a side of tangy pickle or chutney. Palak Poori is a perfect breakfast dish for those who are looking for a healthy and tasty start to their day. It is also a popular choice during festivals and special occasions in Central India. 

Muthia 

Muthia is a traditional breakfast dish that is popular in Central India, particularly in the state of Chattisgarh. It is made of a mixture of steamed vegetables and chickpea flour, which is then seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. The mixture is then shaped into small dumplings and steamed until they are cooked through. Once cooked, the dumplings are fried until they are crispy on the outside, giving them a unique texture and flavour. Muthia is often served with a side of green chutney or yoghurt, which adds a tangy and refreshing contrast to the spicy and savoury flavour of the dumplings. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy and filling, making it a perfect breakfast option for those who want to start their day on a nutritious note. 

Bara 

Bara, also known as Vada, is a popular breakfast dish that is enjoyed throughout Central India. It is made from a mixture of soaked and ground lentils, such as urad dal or moong dal, which is then seasoned with spices and herbs. The mixture is then shaped into small patties and deep-fried until they are crispy and golden brown. Bara is often served with a side of tangy tamarind or mint chutney, which adds a refreshing and zesty contrast to the spicy and savoury flavour of the patties. This dish is not only delicious but also protein-rich, making it a perfect breakfast option for those who want to start their day with a nutritious and satisfying meal. Bara is also a popular street food in Central India and is sold in many local shops and food stalls. 

Sabudana Khichdi 

Sabudana Khichdi is a popular breakfast dish in Central India that is often enjoyed during religious festivals, especially during Navratri. This dish is made using sabudana, which is also known as tapioca pearls or sago. The sabudana is soaked overnight and then cooked with roasted peanuts, boiled potatoes, and a blend of spices and herbs such as cumin seeds, ginger, green chillies, and curry leaves. The dish is then garnished with fresh coriander and a generous squeeze of lime juice. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavours and textures, with the soft and chewy sabudana pearls mixing perfectly with the crunchy peanuts and the aromatic spices. Sabudana Khichdi is not only delicious but also a great source of carbohydrates and energy, making it an ideal breakfast for those who are looking for a filling and nutritious meal to start their day. It is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Central India, especially during the festive season. 

Bhutte Ki Kees 

Bhutte ki Kees is a delicious breakfast dish that originates from the state of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. It is made using grated sweet corn kernels, which are sautéed with a blend of spices and herbs such as ginger, green chillies, and coriander leaves. The mixture is then cooked in milk until it thickens to a creamy consistency, giving it a rich and indulgent flavour. The dish is often served with a side of tangy tamarind or mint chutney, which adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savoury taste of the kees. Bhutte ki Kees is a perfect breakfast option for those who are looking for a hearty and filling meal to start their day. It is also a popular street food in Central India and is sold in many local shops and food stalls. If you are visiting Central India, make sure to try this delicious and unique breakfast dish that will surely leave you wanting more. 

Dal Pithi 

Dal Pithi is a traditional breakfast dish that originates from the state of Chhattisgarh in Central India. It is a hearty and wholesome meal that is perfect for starting your day on a nutritious note. The dish consists of small dumplings made of wheat flour, which are cooked in a spicy lentil soup or dal. The dumplings are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs such as cumin seeds, ginger, and coriander leaves, which infuses them with a delicious flavour. The dal, on the other hand, is made using a variety of lentils and is spiced with a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The combination of the soft and chewy pithis with the flavorful and spicy dal creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making this dish a favourite among locals. Dal Pithi is not only delicious but also a great source of protein and fibre, which makes it a nutritious breakfast option for those who are looking for a filling and healthy meal to start their day. If you are visiting Chhattisgarh, be sure to try this unique and flavorful breakfast dish that will surely leave you satisfied and energized. 

Bafauri 

It is a nutritious and protein-packed dish that is perfect for starting your day on a healthy note. Bafauri is made using ground chana dal or split chickpeas, which are soaked overnight and then ground into a fine paste. The paste is then mixed with a variety of spices and herbs such as ginger, garlic, coriander leaves, and green chillies, which adds a delicious and fragrant flavour to the dish. The mixture is then shaped into small balls or flattened patties, which are then steamed or fried until they turn crispy and golden brown. Bafauri is often served with a side of tangy and spicy chutney, which complements the mild and nutty taste of the dish. This dish is not only delicious but also a great source of protein and fibre, making it a perfect breakfast option for those who are looking for a nutritious and filling meal to start their day. If you are visiting Chhattisgarh, make sure to try this unique and flavorful breakfast dish that is sure to leave you satisfied and energized. 

Dubki Kadi 

Dubki Kadi is a popular breakfast dish that originates from the state of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. It is a flavorful and tangy dish that is perfect for starting your day on a delicious note. Dubki Kadi is made using a mixture of besan or chickpea flour, yoghurt, and spices such as cumin, turmeric, and coriander powder. The mixture is then cooked with water to form a thick and creamy gravy that is simmered with an assortment of vegetables such as potatoes, okra, and tomatoes. The dish is finished off with a tempering of spices and herbs such as mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chillies, which adds a burst of flavour to the dish. The tangy and creamy taste of the dish is complemented by the soft and fluffy rice or roti, which is often served alongside. Dubki Kadi is a perfect breakfast option for those who are looking for a satisfying and filling meal that is bursting with flavour.