15 Indian Breakfast Bowls That Beat Western Smoothies Every Time

12. Moong Dal Cheela Bowl

Moong dal cheela are thin pancakes made from ground yellow lentils and often filled with vegetables or paneer. Turn them into a bowl by stacking torn cheelas, adding chutney, salad, and a dollop of yogurt. The dish is naturally high in protein and low in refined carbs, offering satiety that many fruit-forward smoothies don’t provide. The mild, nutty flavor is familiar and kid-friendly, making it a good family breakfast option. Prepare batter the night before to speed up morning assembly. Fold in grated carrots, spinach, or green onions for an extra vegetable boost. If you want a runnier, spoonable bowl, chop cheelas into pieces and simmer briefly in a tomato-based sauce for a warm, savory start to the day. This approach keeps breakfast protein-forward and portable.