5 Marathi Breakfast Recipes: Quick & Delicious Nashta Ideas

When it comes to enjoying a delicious breakfast or "nashta" in Maharashtra, the culinary culture offers a delightful array of options that are not just rich in taste but also nutritious, catering to the diverse palate of the Marathi community. Here, we delve into five unique Marathi recipes that are both quick to prepare and exceptionally tasty, ensuring your morning meal is something to look forward to. These recipes blend traditional flavors with the convenience needed in today's fast-paced life.

Nashta Poha

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of poha (flattened rice)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium-sized potato, diced
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• ¹⁄₂ tsp mustard seeds
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin seeds
• 8-10 curry leaves
• ¹⁄₄ cup roasted peanuts
• Turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
• Lemon juice

Steps:

1. Rinse Poha: Start by rinsing the poha in a strainer under running water for 30 seconds. Let it drain well.
2. Prepare Tadka: Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Once the seeds pop, add chopped onions and potatoes. Cook until they are tender.
3. Mix Poha: Add the poha to the pan, sprinkle turmeric powder and salt. Mix gently. Add green chilies, roasted peanuts, and stir-fry for a couple of minutes.
4. Garnish: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, sprinkle lemon juice, and serve hot.

💡 Note: If poha gets too dry, sprinkle a little water to fluff it up again.

Thalipeeth

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup gram flour (besan)
• ¹⁄₄ cup rice flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup jowar flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped onions
• ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed

Steps:

1. Prepare Batter: Mix all the flours in a bowl, add onions, cilantro, green chilies, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, salt, and gradually add water to make a soft, pliable dough.
2. Shaping Thalipeeth: On a greased banana leaf or foil, place a ball of dough and flatten it into a circle with your fingers or a wet cloth.
3. Cook: Heat a tawa (griddle), and carefully lift the leaf or foil and transfer the thalipeeth onto the hot tawa. Drizzle a bit of oil around the edges and cook on medium heat until both sides are golden brown.
4. Serve: Serve hot with dahi or pickle.

🍳 Note: The trick to getting a crispy thalipeeth is to keep the heat on medium and cook it slowly for an even texture.

Misal Pav

Ingredients for Usal:

• 1 cup sprouted moth beans (matki)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin seeds
• ¹⁄₂ tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ¹⁄₂ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

Ingredients for Misal Rasa:

• 1/4 cup dried coconut
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 inch ginger
• 2-3 red chilies
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Steps:

1. Prepare Usal: Heat oil, add cumin and mustard seeds. Add onions, sauté until translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste, cook for a minute, then add tomatoes and spices. Add sprouted moth beans and cook until done.
2. Prepare Rasa: In a separate pan, roast coconut, onion, garlic, ginger, and red chilies. Grind with poppy and sesame seeds to make a paste. Sauté this paste in oil, add water to thin it out to make the rasa.
3. Assembly: In a bowl, place the usal, top with rasa, and add chopped onions, farsan (mix of crunchy snacks), fresh coriander, and serve with pav (bread rolls).

💡 Note: The rasa should have a balanced flavor, slightly spicy and tangy, to enhance the taste of the usal.

Kothimbir Vadi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cup chopped coriander leaves
• ¹⁄₂ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin seeds
• ¹⁄₂ tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₄ tsp asafoetida
• Oil for shallow frying
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Mix Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a bowl to make a thick batter.
2. Steam: Grease a plate, spread the batter evenly, and steam for 15-20 minutes or until done.
3. Cut and Fry: After steaming, let it cool, cut into squares or diamond shapes, and shallow fry until they are crispy and golden.
4. Serve: Serve hot with green or red chutney.

🍴 Note: If the batter gets too thick, add a little water, but keep it stiff enough to spread on the plate.

Batata Vada

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin seeds
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ¹⁄₂ tsp turmeric powder
• 8-10 curry leaves
• ¹⁄₂ cup gram flour (besan)
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying

Steps:

1. Stuffing: Heat oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chilies, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and curry leaves. Add mashed potatoes and salt, mix well, and shape into balls.
2. Batter: Make a batter with gram flour, salt, and water, ensuring it is not too thick.
3. Fry: Coat the potato balls in batter and deep fry until they are golden brown.
4. Serve: Serve hot with green chutney or in a pav for Vada Pav.

These five Marathi breakfast recipes not only reflect the vibrant culinary traditions of Maharashtra but also provide a wholesome start to your day. Each dish, with its distinct flavor profile and nutritional benefits, can be prepared quickly to suit your morning schedule. Whether you're an avid cook or someone looking to explore Marathi cuisine, these recipes are an excellent way to bring some spice and flavor into your breakfast routine, ensuring you begin your day with a burst of energy and a smile.

What makes a Marathi nashta special?

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A Marathi nashta, or breakfast, is known for its balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition. It often incorporates local spices, pulses, and vegetables, providing a hearty start to the day with dishes that are both aromatic and delicious.

Can these recipes be made vegan?

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Yes, all the recipes listed can be easily adapted to be vegan. Substitute dairy products like dahi with plant-based alternatives, and ensure no animal products are used in the preparation.

How can I make the Thalipeeth less spicy for children?

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You can reduce the amount of green chilies or skip them altogether in the Thalipeeth recipe. Additionally, you might add a bit more sweetness with jaggery or sugar to balance the flavors.