Brown Rice Breakfast - South Indian Style

Breakfast With Brown Rice

 South Indian breakfast is synomymous with Idli, Dosa and Upma. But it goes beyond that. Of course, these are my favourites too. They make for a satisfying meal but there are lesser known ones that are equally tasty and filling. Rice for me is always brown rice most of the times except for the occasional biryani or pulao. So I was delighted when I spotted brown rice vermicelli at a food store.

While white rice vermicelli is easily available, the brown rice one is available online or in select supermarkets. I have bought mine from Westside (Kala Ghoda) and Foodhall at Palladium. One has to just soak it in very hot water for about 20 mins and drain off the water. It's ready to be used. It can also be prepared at home, a tedious process though. Some time soon, I'll carry a post on that. These are my hot favourite breakfast recipes with vermicelli. 

Breakfast In A Bowl

Ingredients
Brown Rice vermicelli (soaked and drained) - 1 cup
Coconut milk - 3/4 cup
Palm Jaggery (any organic variety is good) - 1/4 cup
Cardamom powder - a pinch

Method
Take 3/4 cup of the dried vermicelli. Soak it in hot water as mentioned above for about 20 to 25 mins. Drain off the water.
Dissolve jaggery in coconut milk. Add cardamom powder to it. Add the vermicelli and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Enjoy it cold. Perfect for the summers.

Vermicelli Stir-fry

Ingredients
Brown Rice vermicelli (soaked and drained) - 1 cup
Coconut oil - 1 tsp
Split and skinned black gram (urad dal) - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - 2 tbsp 
Dry red chilies - 1 or 2
Salt - to taste

Method

Heat oil

Add mustard seeds

When it splutters, add black gram, curry leaves and chilies

Keep the flame low

Add vermicelli and saute for 4 to 5 mins

Serve hot

(The two dishes complement each other. I love to eat the two together for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast)

Health Benefits Of Brown Rice

Helps in weight management

Anti-diabetic
Anti-inflammatory properties
Gluten free
Promotes heart health
Energy booster

Health Benefits Of Palm Jaggery

Energy booster
Active body cleanser
Anti-inflammatory
Has low GI, so does not spike blood sugar. Can be used by diabetics
Rich in iron - prevents anemia

Has magnesium and potassium too

Useful in combating cough and stomach ailments like indigestion, acidity and constipation