South Indian cuisine offers a variety of rice-based dishes that are perfect for a hearty breakfast. Here are 10 popular options:
- Idli
Soft, steamed rice cakes made from fermented rice and urad dal (black gram), often served with chutneys and sambar.
- Dosa
Thin, crispy pancakes made from fermented rice and urad dal batter. It is often paired with sambar and coconut chutney.
- Upma
A savory rice dish made with semolina (rava) cooked with vegetables, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices. Though traditionally made with semolina, it can also be made with rice rava or poha for a heartier version. - Pongal
A comforting dish made from rice and moong dal, cooked with black pepper, ginger, curry leaves, and ghee. It’s typically served with coconut chutney or sambar. - Lemon Rice
A tangy and flavorful rice dish made with rice, fresh lemon juice, turmeric, and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. - Coconut Rice
Rice mixed with grated coconut, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices, offering a rich, aromatic taste. - Curd Rice
A simple yet filling dish made by mixing rice with curd (yogurt), seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger. It’s cooling and refreshing. - Tamarind Rice (Puliyodarai)
Rice tossed with a tangy tamarind paste, cooked with spices like red chilies, mustard seeds, and peanuts. This dish is often served as a special breakfast or lunch. - Vermicelli Upma
Similar to regular upma, but made with roasted vermicelli (thin pasta). It’s cooked with vegetables, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, making it light yet satisfying. - Bisibele Bath
A hearty rice dish made with rice, lentils, vegetables, and a special spice mix, often served with raita or papad. It’s a flavorful and filling option to start your day.
These dishes are not only filling but also provide a good balance of nutrition to kickstart your day.