Breakfast Recipes from East India - Made with Cold Pressed Oils

East India is a region rich in culinary traditions, where breakfast is more than just a meal—it's an experience that starts the day on the right note (I would know, being born and brought up in West Bengal). From the fragrant aroma of coconut oil to the nutty essence of groundnut oil, cold pressed oils are a staple in many East Indian kitchens. 

These oils not only enhance the taste of dishes but also offer numerous health benefits, making them ideal for a wholesome breakfast. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best East Indian recipes that you can easily prepare using cold pressed oils. Let’s get started, shall we?

1. Panta Bhaat (Fermented Rice) with Cold-pressed Coconut Oil

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably leftover)
• 2 tbsp cold pressed coconut oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green chilli, sliced
• Salt to taste
• Mustard seeds for tempering
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Start by soaking the leftover cooked rice in water overnight. This fermentation process adds a slightly tangy flavour and enhances the nutrient content.
2. Tempering: In a pan, heat the cold pressed coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Mixing: Add the chopped onion and green chilli, sautéing until the onions turn golden brown.
4. Final Touch: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Mix well, adding salt to taste. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve the Panta Bhaat as a refreshing and light breakfast, perfect for a warm day.

Benefits: This traditional Indian easy breakfast recipe is cooling and packed with probiotics, especially when paired with the healthful fats from coconut oil. It's a simple yet effective way to enjoy the morning.

2. Ghugni (Yellow Peas Curry) with Cold-pressed Groundnut Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried yellow peas, soaked overnight
• 2 tbsp cold pressed groundnut oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Cook the soaked yellow peas in a pressure cooker with some salt until soft.
2. Tempering: In a pan, heat the cold pressed groundnut oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. Spicing: Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, and garam masala to the pan. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
4. Combining: Add the cooked yellow peas to the pan and mix everything together. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with puris or parathas.

Benefits: Ghugni is a protein-rich breakfast option that’s popular in West Bengal and Odisha. Groundnut oil adds a distinct, nutty flavour and is rich in healthy fats, making this breakfast recipe with cold pressed oil both delicious and nutritious.

3. Chingri Macher Paturi (Shrimp in Banana Leaf) with Cold-pressed Mustard Oil

Ingredients:

• 200g shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 2 tbsp cold pressed mustard oil
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 2 tbsp mustard paste
• Salt to taste
• Banana leaves for wrapping

Instructions:

1. Marination: Marinate the shrimp with turmeric, red chilli powder, mustard paste, salt, and cold pressed mustard oil. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
2. Wrapping: Cut the banana leaves into squares, and lightly toast them over an open flame to make them pliable. Place a few marinated shrimp in the centre of each leaf and fold it into a parcel.
3. Cooking: Steam the banana leaf parcels for about 10-12 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through.
4. Serve: Open the parcels just before serving to enjoy the aromatic flavours.

Benefits: Mustard oil is a quintessential part of East Indian cooking, especially in Bengali cuisine. It adds a sharp, pungent flavour to dishes like Chingri Macher Paturi, which is both an easy and elegant breakfast option.

4. Aloo Posto (Potato with Poppy Seeds) with Cold-pressed Coconut Oil

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp cold pressed coconut oil
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds, soaked and ground to a paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• Salt to taste
• Mustard seeds for tempering

Instructions:

1. Tempering: In a pan, heat the cold pressed coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
2. Cooking: Add the diced potatoes and slit green chilies. Sauté until the potatoes are halfway cooked.
3. Mixing: Add the poppy seed paste and salt. Mix well and cook until the potatoes are tender and fully coated with the poppy seed paste.
4. Serve: Garnish with a drizzle of coconut oil and serve hot with steamed rice.

Benefits: Aloo Posto is a classic breakfast recipe with coconut oil, known for its simplicity and unique flavour profile. Coconut oil enhances the dish with its subtle sweetness, making it a delightful breakfast.

5. Dhuska (Savory Rice and Lentil Pancakes) with Cold-pressed Groundnut Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice, soaked overnight
• ½ cup chana dal (split Bengal gram), soaked overnight
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 2 tbsp cold pressed groundnut oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Batter Preparation: Grind the soaked rice and chana dal into a smooth batter. Add salt, chopped onions, and green chilies to the batter.
2. Cooking: Heat a tawa (griddle) and spread a ladleful of batter into a pancake shape. Drizzle cold pressed groundnut oil around the edges.
3. Flipping: Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip to cook the other side.
4. Serve: Serve hot with chutney or curd.

Benefits: Dhuska is a popular breakfast item in Jharkhand. The combination of rice and lentils provides a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins, while groundnut oil gives it a crispy texture and rich flavour—making this one of the best Indian breakfast ideas.

Why Choose Cold Pressed Oils For East Indian Breakfast Recipes?

Cold pressed oils, such as those offered by Gramiyaa, are extracted through a natural process that retains the maximum nutrients and flavour of the oils. Unlike refined oils, cold pressed oils are free from chemicals and high-heat processing, making them a healthier choice for cooking. They are rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, which contribute to overall health and well-being.

For those who prioritise natural and pure ingredients, Gramiyaa is a reliable option. We ensure that every meal you prepare is not only tasty but also healthful.

East Indian breakfast recipes are an amalgamation of flavours and traditions. By incorporating cold pressed oils like coconut and groundnut oil into these dishes, you can elevate their taste while reaping the health benefits. These oils not only enhance the authenticity of the recipes but also make them a healthier choice for your daily breakfast.

Remember, the key to a great breakfast is not just the recipe but also the quality of the ingredients you use. Choose cold pressed oils to make sure your best Indian breakfast recipes are as nourishing as they are delicious.

For more information on where to buy high-quality cold pressed oils, visit Gramiyaa and explore our range of products that bring the best of nature to your kitchen.