10+ Indian Porridge Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Indian porridge recipes offer a warm, comforting start to your day. These dishes combine wholesome ingredients with spices and flavors that reflect rich culinary traditions. You can enjoy various types of porridge, from sweet to savory, all packed with nutrition and taste.

Exploring these recipes will introduce you to simple methods of preparing delicious meals that cater to different palates. You will likely find something that suits your taste, whether you prefer a hearty breakfast or a light snack.

Kheer

Kheer is a popular Indian dessert that you can enjoy at any occasion. This creamy rice pudding is made with simple ingredients like rice, milk, and sugar. You can customize it by adding nuts and spices for extra flavor.

Most people use basmati rice for kheer, but you can also try jasmine or any starchy white rice. You will love the rich taste of kheer made with whole milk or even dairy-free options like almond milk.

To make kheer, start by rinsing the rice and soaking it. Then, cook it slowly in milk while stirring to avoid sticking. Adding cardamom or saffron gives kheer a delightful aroma.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 cups whole milk (or almond milk)
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• A pinch of saffron (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
2. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.
3. In a saucepan, heat the milk until it steams.
4. Add the soaked rice and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Stir in sugar, cardamom, and nuts.
6. Cook until thickened, about 5-10 more minutes.

Upma

Upma is a popular South Indian dish that is enjoyed as a breakfast option. It is made primarily from semolina, which gives it a unique texture. You can customize it with various vegetables and spices to suit your taste.

To make upma, start by roasting the semolina until it turns light golden. In a pan, heat ghee or oil. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad lentils for flavor. Once they crackle, add chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger.

Next, pour in water and bring it to a boil. Slowly add the roasted semolina while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens.

Upma is not only filling but also versatile. You can add vegetables like peas and carrots for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 cup semolina
• 2 teaspoons ghee or oil
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 5-6 curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon urad lentils
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onions
• 1 teaspoon chopped green chilies
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
• 2 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast the semolina in a pan until golden.
2. Heat ghee or oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad lentils.
3. Add onions, green chilies, and ginger; sauté until onions are soft.
4. Boil water in the pan.
5. Stir in roasted semolina slowly, mixing continuously.
6. Cook until the mixture thickens. Serve hot.

3) Ragi Porridge

Ragi porridge is a nutritious option that’s easy to make. It is also known as Ragi Java or finger millet porridge. This dish is popular in many Indian households, especially for breakfast.

To prepare, soak ragi overnight. This softens the grains, making them easier to grind. After soaking, drain the water and blend the ragi with a little fresh water.

Cook the ragi mixture in a pan over low to medium heat. Stir it gently to avoid lumps. You can add milk or water to adjust the consistency to your liking.

Finish with a pinch of salt or sweetener to taste. Many also like to add fruits or nuts for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ragi (finger millet)
• 2-3 cups water
• Milk (optional)
• Sweetener (honey or sugar, optional)
• Salt (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Soak ragi in water overnight.
2. Drain and blend with a small amount of water.
3. Cook the mixture in a pan over low heat.
4. Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Add milk and sweetener if desired, and serve.

4) Bajra Khichdi

Bajra Khichdi is a warm and comforting dish made from pearl millet and lentils. It is especially popular in winter months due to its hearty nature. The dish is easy to prepare and provides essential nutrients.

To make this khichdi, start by soaking the bajra in water for at least 1 hour. This helps to soften the grains for cooking. Use a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part bajra and lentils for the perfect consistency.

You can add vegetables like carrots or peas to enhance its flavor. Cook it under pressure for about 15 minutes until everything is soft. Optionally, stir in ghee or oil for added richness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup bajra (pearl millet)
• 1/4 cup moong dal (split green gram)
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Chopped vegetables (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak bajra in water for 1 hour.
2. In a pressure cooker, heat ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds.
3. Add soaked bajra and moong dal to the cooker.
4. Pour in the water and add salt.
5. Pressure cook for about 15 minutes.
6. Stir in vegetables if using and serve hot.

5) Dalia

Dalia is a popular Indian porridge made from cracked wheat. It can be enjoyed sweet or savory, depending on your mood. This dish is nutritious and perfect for breakfast or a light meal.

To make sweet dalia, you can cook it with milk, sugar, and some nuts. Sweet dalia has a creamy texture that is comforting and satisfying. It is often enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

For a savory version, dalia can be cooked with vegetables and spices. This gives it a hearty flavor that is both filling and healthy. You can add peas, carrots, or any veggies you have on hand.

Dalia is high in fiber and contains essential nutrients. This makes it a great choice for a wholesome start to your day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cracked wheat (dalia)
• 2 cups water or milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for sweet dalia, optional)
• A pinch of salt (for savory dalia)
• Your choice of nuts or vegetables

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the cracked wheat under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine cracked wheat and water or milk.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft.
5. Add sugar or salt as needed, and mix well.

6) Paal Payasam

Paal Payasam is a delightful South Indian dessert that is creamy and rich. It’s similar to rice kheer and is perfect for special occasions. You will love its simple yet delicious flavor.

To make Paal Payasam, you mainly need milk, rice, and sugar. Some recipes also add cashews and raisins for extra taste. This dish is often served during festivals like Onam.

Paal Payasam has a lovely texture and a sweet taste. It’s easy to prepare, and you can whip it up in just about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of rice
• 4 cups of milk
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of ghee
• A handful of cashews and raisins (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee and add the cashews and raisins until golden.
3. Add the rinsed rice and stir for a minute.
4. Pour in 4 cups of milk and bring it to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add 1 cup of sugar and mix well until dissolved.
7. Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy your Paal Payasam!

7) Sabudana Kheer

Sabudana Kheer is a delightful Indian dessert made with tapioca pearls. It is creamy, sweet, and perfect for any occasion, especially during fasting days. This pudding is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

To make Sabudana Kheer, start by soaking sabudana in water for about 2 to 3 hours. This helps them cook faster and achieve a nice texture. Once soaked, cook them in milk until they become soft and slightly sticky.

You can add sugar to taste and sprinkle in some cardamom for flavor. For extra richness, mix in nuts and raisins towards the end of cooking. This adds a delightful crunch to each bite.

You can serve Sabudana Kheer warm or chilled, making it versatile for any season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 cup nuts (cashews, almonds)
• 1/4 cup raisins

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak sabudana in water for 2-3 hours.
2. Drain and rinse the sabudana.
3. Boil milk in a pot over medium heat (350°F, 175°C).
4. Add soaked sabudana to the boiling milk.
5. Cook until sabudana becomes soft and translucent.
6. Add sugar and cardamom, stir well.
7. Mix in nuts and raisins, then cook for a few more minutes.
8. Serve warm or chilled.

8) Moong Dal Porridge

Moong Dal Porridge is a simple and nutritious dish. It is easy to digest and perfect for breakfast or lunch. Plus, you can make it in under 30 minutes.

To prepare it, combine yellow moong dal with rice. This creates a smooth consistency that is comforting. The spices added make it soothing for your tummy. You can enjoy it with a side of spicy thogayal for added flavor.

This porridge is great for all ages, including toddlers. It’s an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow moong dal
• 1/2 cup rice
• 4 cups water (approximately 950 ml)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• Spices: cumin seeds, ginger (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the moong dal and rice together in water.
2. In a pot, heat ghee and add cumin seeds.
3. When the seeds sizzle, add the dal and rice.
4. Pour in 4 cups of water and salt.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Stir well and serve hot. Enjoy!

9) Rajgira Porridge

Rajgira porridge, also known as amaranth porridge, is a nutritious dish perfect for babies, toddlers, and kids. Made from amaranth seeds, it is rich in protein, iron, and fiber. This porridge has a creamy texture when cooked, making it a great addition to your child’s diet.

To prepare this dish, you can blend the porridge if your child prefers a smoother consistency. It is suitable for babies from 6 months old. Rajgira porridge is also gluten-free, which makes it a healthy option for those with gluten sensitivities.

You can customize this porridge by adding milk, sugar, or fruits to enhance its flavor. It is a simple and wholesome meal that is easy to cook.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup rajgira flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ghee
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan and add ghee.
2. Add the rajgira flour and roast until light brown.
3. Pour in the milk and mix well.
4. Add sugar and cardamom powder.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
6. Serve warm with chopped nuts if desired.

10) Oats Pongal

Oats Pongal is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional Pongal. This dish replaces rice with oats, making it lighter and packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for breakfast or a comforting dinner.

To make this dish, you will combine oats with moong dal and spices. The result is a creamy, savory porridge that is full of flavor. You can enjoy it as is or add your favorite toppings.

Cooking Oats Pongal is straightforward and quick. You can prepare it in a pot or an Instant Pot. In about 20 minutes, you’ll have a warm bowl of goodness ready to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup oats
• 1/4 cup moong dal
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt, to taste
• 3 cups water
• Ghee or oil, as needed
• Optional: cumin seeds, black pepper, and chopped cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Dry roast the moong dal until golden.
2. In a pot or Instant Pot, heat ghee and add cumin seeds.
3. Then, stir in the roasted dal and oats.
4. Add turmeric, salt, and water.
5. Cook for 15 minutes on low heat or pressure cook for 8 minutes.
6. Serve warm, topped with cilantro if desired.