6 Indian Breakfast Dishes You Didn’t Know Are Desserts

India is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, especially when it comes to breakfast. While many breakfast dishes are savory, there are some delightful options that double as desserts! These dishes may be enjoyed in the morning, but their sweet flavors make them perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into some Indian breakfast dishes you didn’t know are actually desserts!

1. Sheera (Suji Halwa)

Sheera, also known as suji halwa, is a popular South Indian dish made from semolina, ghee, sugar, and nuts. Traditionally served as a breakfast dish, its rich, sweet taste and soft texture make it more like a dessert. It’s often offered as prasad in temples, making it a beloved treat across the country.

2. Puran Poli

Puran poli is a sweet flatbread filled with a mixture of jaggery and chana dal (split chickpeas). Although it’s commonly eaten during festivals or special occasions, many families enjoy it for breakfast as well. The warm, sweet filling makes it a perfect start to the day, and it can be served with ghee or milk.

3. Chhena Poda

Originating from Odisha, chhena poda is a baked dessert made from fresh chhena (cottage cheese) mixed with sugar and flavored with cardamom. While it can be enjoyed as a dessert, many people savor it as a breakfast item. Its slightly chewy texture and sweet, caramelized top make it an indulgent morning treat.

4. Lapsi (Dalia)

Lapsi is made from broken wheat cooked with ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts. Although it can be served as a savory dish, the sweet version is commonly enjoyed for breakfast, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The warm, nutty flavors make it a comforting start to the day.

5. Mysore Pak

Mysore pak is a rich, sweet fudge made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar. While it’s often consumed as a dessert, it can also be a part of breakfast, especially in South Indian households. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet flavor make it hard to resist at any time of the day!

6. Khar (Pitha)

Khar is a traditional Assamese rice cake, often made with rice flour and filled with jaggery and coconut. This soft, steamed cake is sometimes served as a breakfast dish, but its sweet filling makes it an excellent dessert option as well. It’s light, fluffy, and perfect with a cup of tea!

These Indian breakfast dishes that double as desserts showcase the rich culinary diversity of the country. The blend of sweet and savory flavors, along with unique textures, makes each dish a delightful way to kickstart your morning. So, the next time you’re looking for something sweet to enjoy for breakfast, consider trying one of these delicious options!