15 Indian Breakfast Bowls That Beat Western Smoothies Every Time

11. Kitchari Bowl

Kitchari blends split mung dal and rice with mild spices to create a soothing, easily digestible porridge that’s central to Ayurvedic cooking. Its simple ingredients and gentle spice profile make it ideal when digestion needs a reset, and it pairs well with seasonal vegetables for added nutrients. Compared with smoothies that may be acidic or high in fruit sugar, kitchari supports steady digestion and provides a warm, grounding breakfast option. Make it thicker for a spoonable bowl or thinner as a light stew, depending on appetite. Add a tempering of ghee with cumin seeds for aroma, and finish with fresh herbs. Kitchari’s balance of legumes and grains provides sustained release energy, which can be especially helpful on mornings after late nights or heavy meals when you need something comforting and stabilizing.