11 South Indian Breakfast Recipes Healthier Than Cereal

7. Healthy Rava Kesari (millet-based, low-sugar)

Rava kesari is a traditional sweet made from semolina and sugar; a modern, healthier take uses millets, jaggery in moderation, and roasted nuts to lower refined sugar and increase fiber. When prepared with millets like foxtail or barnyard millet, this pudding delivers slower-digesting carbs and more micronutrients than refined semolina versions. Portion control matters—this is best as an occasional sweeter morning swap for those who crave something sweet in the morning but want to avoid cereal-level added sugars. In many homes, kesari is a nostalgic comfort food that appears at breakfast during festivals. To make it work as a daily cereal alternative, reduce sugar by at least half and add coconut, nuts, and a pinch of cardamom for flavor. In the U.S., millet options are found at health-food stores and many supermarkets. This version preserves the dessert-like texture while making it a more balanced start to the day than a sugar-forward cereal bowl.