Best Breakfast Recipes for Winters

I get bored easily with the same kheera-tamatar sandwich that lands on my brekafast plate every day. Another thing that pops up frequently on my plate is the humble paratha – in all sizes, shapes, and forms. If you, like me, need a change of breakfast every now and then – this exhaustive list of best breakfast recipes for winters in India is REALLY going to help you make a meal plan with ease.

Here are some breakfast recipe suggestions you can make during the Indian winter using local produce.

Best Breakfast Recipes for Winters

More than 30 vegetarian, vegan and non-vegetarian breakfast recipe ideas for Indian winters that will help you plan your meals better and keep boredom at bay. Choose from a wide range of recipes and plan your weekly breakfast calendar:

Best Breakfast Recipes for Winters: Vegetarian & Vegan

From North to South, here’s something for everyone to choose from the vegetarian and vegan segments: 

1. Spinach & Paneer Cheela  

Boil and puree spinach and add it to besan to make a batter. Make sure you season it well. To the batter add lots of veggies like onions, capiscum and carrots. After making the cheela, grate lots of paneer on one side. Fold and serve hot! You can replace paneer with tofu for a vegan option. Best paired with a piping hot cup of adrak wali chai and green chutney. If you’re looking for RTE option, check here.

2. Methi Paratha

There are two ways to make a methi ka paratha. You can either chop and knead the dough with methi along with spices or you can stuff the paratha with pre-made aloo-methi. Depending on availability and your preference, you can choose to go for either option. 

How To Make Methi Paratha?

• In a large paraat add whole wheat flour (1 cup) and besan (1/4th cup), chopped methi leaves (as much as required), and chopped onions.
• Now add ajwain, anardana, salt, red chilli, green chilli (optional), and 2 dollops of ghee.
• Bring the dough together by adding some water and knead till everything is well combined.
• Let this rest for a few minutes before rolling out.
• Once rolled out, grill on a tawa from noth sides and apply ghee for roasting. 
• It is best not to use oil for methi parathas as ghee further enhances the flavor.
• Keep the flame low-medium as it helps cook the parathas well.
• Serve with white butter, dahi or a sabzi of your choice.
• If you’re making stuffed methi parathas, follow the process you usually would for aloo or gobhi parathas.

3. Beetroot Paratha

A vibrant and nutritious breakfast option. These parathas are made with beetroot puree, whole wheat flour, and spices. The earthy sweetness of beetroot adds a unique flavor to the paratha. You can also grate beets, add some  Serve hot with yogurt or pickle.

4. Soya (Greens) Paratha

Similar to the above-mentioned methi paratha, soya parathas can be made in the same way – stuffed into the paratha or you can knead the dough with the greens as well. The key to making delicious soya saag parathas is to let it cook on slow flame and use ghee while roasting. Pair it with white butter, dahi and achaar of your choice. 

5. Spinach and Carrot Ragi Idli

Ragi makes granier idlis than plain rava and rice idlis, so don’t be alarmed at the texture. Make sure your batter is fermented well or if you’re using store-bought batter, check the consistency before steaming your idlis. Add in lots of grated carrots, and chopped spinach to your ragi idli batter and your healthy, fiber and calcium-rich ragi idlis are ready. Serve it with a tomato-peanut chutney.

6. Sweet Potato Tikkis

While some of you may not think of tikkis as a breakfast item, they very much are! Sweet potatoes or shakkarkandi is one of the most loved winter produce and when combined with everyday masalas like bhuna jeera and kala namak, these can make the most delicious breakfast tikkis. In a bowl smash boiled sweet potatoes with kala channa and add in green chillies, salt, red chilli powder and bhuna jeera. Combine it well and make small round tikkis. Grill them on a non-stick pan with some ghee and enjoy with mint chutney. 

7. Overnight Savory Oats

So delish, so understated. Soak in your oats with whisked curd in a bowl and keep it in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours/overnight. In the morning, add a simple tadka of oil, mustard seeds, and curry leaves along with vegetables of your choice. Veggies like onions, capsicum, cucumber, and bell peppers work well. This is such a wholesome meal in itself that you will not need anything else with this. Needless to say, season it with spices of your choice like salt, pepper, and red chillies. 

8. Green Daliya

A gorgeous looking bowl of daliya that defines comfort! Take any greens that complement, I usually go with spinach, peas, and a bunch of bathua. Steam them together and make a puree. Proceed with making a namkeen daliya like you usually do, but add the green puree instead of water before pressure cooking. Add a small tadka of green chillies, zeera and ghee on top. You really don’t need any accompaniments but if you must pair it with something, add a dollop of curd on top.

9. Matar Bread Roll

One of the best breakfast recipes for winters in India HAS to be the one celebrating peas. We all wait for that batch of sweet green peas that play the main role in many dishes throughout the colder months. A simple matar bread roll with lots of ginger and zeera is a delicious way to start your day. Isn’t it? Pair it with a spicy green chutney and mix it up with a sweet saunth chutney. 

10. Gaajar & Mooli Paratha

All winter favorites stuffed into one single paratha. Yum!

Grate carrots and radishes, season it with salt, red chilli powder and amchoor. Add some chopped ginger, green chillies and anardana. Make sure you squeeze out all the extra water from the radishes before stuffing. Add radish greens in the masala to make this paratha even more nutritious. Pair it with dahi and white butter. 

11. Corn & Cheese Toast

For all those who are just DONE with a boring sandwich, this simple corn-cheese toast is a game-changer. Make a simple masala of boiled corn with chopped onions and capsicum. Add red chilli flakes and oregano to this and a dollop of mayonnaise. On top of a slice of bread spread this masala, add grated cheese on top and bake for 3-4 minutes in a pre-heated oven. Serve it with ketchup or a hot sauce of your choice. 

12. Aloo-Mutter Poha

What’s better than kanda poha? Aloo-mutter poha, ofcourse! Add boiled potatoes and peas to your poha to make it delicious. Now, add a handful of peanuts while cooking the potatoes to add a lovely crunch. Add a dash of lemon juice on top and a generous spoonful of bhujia before serving. 

13. Cashew Upma

Cashews have a tendency to make even the most boring dishes just a tad bit exciting. Add a bunch of chopped greens along with onions and carrots before adding the suji for the upma. Mix in ghee-roasted cashews before serving and see how everyone’s face lights up when they eat it. 

14. Suji & Vegetable Cutlets

These are a bit tedious to make, but well-worth it – Trust me! In a pan roast suji (1 cup) with some oil. After 3-4 minutes add milk (2 cups approx), garlic, green chillies, and salt to cook it do. Add vegetables like onions, carrots, and beans at this stage. Once the suji plumps up, immediately transfer it to a greased setting plate and cut it into barfi-shape. Now coat them in a cornflour slurry, then roll them into a plate of breadcrumbs. Refrigerate them for a few minutes before deep frying. These are best paired with a mint chutney. You can also make them in advance and store in the freezer for 2-3 days. 

15. Winter Ragi Smoothie

If you’re someone who needs something sweet in the morning, this healthy ragi smoothie is your best bet. Add two dates, a scoop of ragi powder, a banana, and cold milk. Blend it well and you’re good to go. This is surprisingly filling and will keep you going for a long time. 

16. Palak Moong Dal Cheela

This spinach-infused cheela is a perfect way to start your day, especially during winter when your body craves warmth and nourishment. Add lots of chopped spinach to moong dal cheela batter along with a pinch of hing and green chillies. The end result is a thick, delicious dal cheela with tons of winter greens. Best paired with a green chutney and saunth ki chutney. You can also use a pre-made cheela mix and add vegetables of your choice to make it stress-free! 

         Related Read: Winter Dinner Ideas: Delicious Vegan Dishes with Millets

17. Tofu Bhurji with Paratha

One of the most filling options is a hearty bowl of tofu bhurji paired with a plain paratha. Not only is it delicious but keeps your protein intake in check as well. Do not use silken tofu for this. A slab of firm tofu should be the ideal choice. 

18. Beetroot Dosa

If you’re making the batter from scratch, boiling and pureeing beets is the way to go, but if you’re using a pre-made batter, as most of us do, you can incorporate the beetroot by boiling and grating it straight into the batter. Make sure you adjust the consistency before spreading it on the pan. Cook this in cow ghee for that buttery end result. Pair it with podi, chutney or sambar. 

19. Vegetable Paniyaram

Paniyarams or appe are an easy to customize breakfast and a simple yet effective way to add lots of fun and veggies to your daily routine. Carrots, beans, ghiya, zucchini, and even beets can be added to the batter for a satisfying breakfast. Pair it with coconut chutney, peanut chutney or a tomato chutney.

20. Seviyan Upma

A crowd-pleaser tadka of mustard seeds and curry leaves or loaded with veggies of your choice with a few simple masalas. Seviyan upma or vermicelli is enjoyed in various forms throughout the Northern belt. Be it an Indo-Chinese touch or a desi tadka of peanuts and potatoes – this is something that is easy to make in the morning. 

21. Sesame Toast

It’s ridiculous how simple the recipe is and how many “YUM” and “WOW” you will hear from the people you’re serving this to! In a pan add oil and saute chopped onions and capsicum. Add boiled, mashed potatoes along with salt and red chilli powder. Stir and mix well. Apply on top of a slice of bread and sprinkle lots of white sesame seeds on top. Seal it with your hand and on a non-stick pan crisp it on both sides. Serve with ketchup and mustard. 

22. Suji Ka Cheela

Make a batter with suji and water and keep aside for 20 minutes for the suji to plump up. Adjust the batter consistency and add lots of grated veggies of your choice. Spread it evenly on the non-stick tawa and cook on both sides. Serve with a fresh mint-coriander chutney or ketchup. 

23. Veggie Uttapam

A colorful and flavorful breakfast option. These thick pancakes are made with a fermented batter of lentils and rice, and topped with a variety of vegetables. The fermentation process adds a tangy flavor to the uttapam. Seve with coconut or peanut chutney.

24. Desi Avo Toast

A fusion of Indian and Western flavors. Toast a slice of bread and top it with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of chaat masala, and a drizzle of lemon juice. The combination of avocado and chaat masala creates a unique and delicious flavor profile. Add chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chillies for that extra kick. 

25. Mushroom Toast

A hearty and satisfying breakfast. Toast a slice of bread and top it with sautéed mushrooms, cheese, and herbs. The mushrooms add a savory and umami flavor to the toast. Serve with a glass of cold coffee and you’re good to go!

Best Breakfast Recipes for Winters: Chicken & Eggs

26. Desi Shakshuka

A flavorful twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish. This Indianized version features a spicy tomato-based sauce simmered with eggs, onions, peppers, and a blend of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Serve with warm bread or paratha for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.  

27. Masala Omelette

This breakfast item needs no introduction to any desi household! Enter – the evergreen masala omelet/omelette. You can get as innovative with this classic breakfast staple. Add in veggies of your choice and whisk away the most customizable item on the menu. 

28. Egg Bhurji with Winter Greens

A wholesome and nutritious breakfast option. This dish combines scrambled eggs with a variety of winter greens like spinach, methi, or bathua. The addition of greens adds a burst of flavor and essential nutrients. Serve with buttered toast or paratha.

Looking for a bhurji masala? Check this out.

29. Egg & Oats Scrambled

A healthy and filling breakfast option. This dish combines scrambled eggs with oats, creating a protein-rich and fiber-rich meal. Make sure you add some butter on top to make these even more delicious. 

30. Mushroom, Cheese & Sarson Fritatta

A savory and flavorful frittata packed with winter goodness. This dish features a combination of mushrooms, cheese, and mustard greens, all baked together in a flavorful egg mixture. Serve with sourdough or a multigrain toast. 

31. Chicken And Spinach Sandwich

A classic sandwich with an Indian twist. This sandwich features grilled chicken, sautéed spinach, and a flavorful chutney or spread. If you’re someone who enjoys a spicy sandwich, layer this with jalapenos and a dash of wholegrain mustard.

32. Masala Chicken Sausage with Methi

Bored of the same old salt-pepper sausages? Then here’s a hearty and flavorful breakfast option featuring grilled chicken sausages. Sliced sausages dunked in a desi onion-tomato masala with fresh methi greens. Served with a toast or paratha, this is a delicious start to your day.

33. Egg and Cheese Toast

This is a simple yet satisfying breakfast option that’s quick and easy to prepare. Toast a slice of bread, top it with a slice of cheese, and a fried or scrambled egg. You can add a sprinkle of black pepper and chopped greens for extra flavor. If you love boiled eggs, add sliced boiled egg on top and grated cheese before grilling for a minute or two. Add a layer of chopped tomatoes, onions, and capsicum for a veggie twist. Use different types of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta. Experiment with different bread options like whole wheat or multigrain.

34. Masala  Egg Sandwich

A flavorful twist on the classic egg sandwich. This sandwich features masala scrambled eggs mixed with Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder, and sandwiched between slices of bread with your favorite condiments. We suggest making runny scrambled eggs and letting them cook further when you toast the sandwich.

35. Egg Paratha

A flavorful and filling option. Whisk eggs with chopped onions, green chilies, and spices like turmeric and red chili powder. Roll out a portion of dough and make a paratha like you usually do. Make a tear between the pocket and add your egg mixture. Carefully flip and cook on both sides with ghee before serving with sides of your choice. Add chopped spinach and veggies for extra nutrition. Serve with yogurt, chutney, or pickle.

36. Anda Pav

Anda Pav, a beloved street food across India, is a testament to the versatility of eggs. This simple yet satisfying dish features a soft pav bun generously filled with a spicy and flavorful egg scramble. Anda Pav offers incredible flexibility. Opt for a lean protein source by cooking the eggs in minimal oil. For an indulgent treat, use ghee or butter and add a dollop of cream to the scramble. Choose from a variety of pav options: soft, white pav for classic indulgence, brown bread for a healthier option, or even whole wheat pav for a nutritious twist. Customize the eggs by adding a medley of vegetables like onions, tomatoes, peppers, and even spinach for an extra dose of nutrients. Serve with thecha or chutney of your choice. 

Best Breakfast Recipes For Winters: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few interesting FAQs On the Best Breakfast Recipes for Winters: 

Conclusion

From comforting classics like upma and poha to innovative creations like desi shakshuka, there’s something for everyone. These recipes not only provide warmth and sustenance but also showcase the rich diversity and creativity of Indian cuisine. So, embrace the winter season and explore the delicious world of Indian breakfast options. Experiment with flavors, add your own unique twists, and savor the warmth and comfort of these delightful dishes.

What are you cooking next from our list of the best breakfast recipes for winters.