Diwali Breakfast Ideas: 10 Healthy Deepavali Recipes

Breakfast on Diwali can be very busy with pujas, visiting family and all the tempting boxes of mithai but skipping breakfast can lead you into snacking throughout the day with lots of sweets and namkeen.

But celebrating Diwali doesn’t mean you have to choose between enjoying festive food and eating well.

Eating a high protein and high fibre breakfast will keep you satisfied during the day and means you can enjoy your favourite sweet treats in moderation. As there are so many traditional breakfast options available in India, you will be spoilt for choice.

These 10 healthy Diwali breakfast ideas are easy to make, vegetarian and perfect for a family breakfast during Diwali. You will also learn about how various regions of India celebrate Deepavali in the mornings. Plus get a menu plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t skip breakfast! Skipping breakfast can make it harder to keep your portions in check during the day.
  
• Add in some protein and fibre. Moong dals, besan, paneer, sambar, ragi and other millets can all be used to create a hearty breakfast.
  
• Choose lighter cooking methods. Idlis, dhoklas, and cheelas or dosas cooked in a pan will be less oily than puri, kachoris and vadas.
  
• Eat traditional foods in moderation. Enjoy a small portion of fried foods.
  
• Plan your day. Having a balanced lunch and easy dinner means you can enjoy some of the Diwali sweets without overdoing it.

10 Healthy Diwali Breakfast Ideas

Your Diwali breakfast should be wholesome, tasty and easy to prepare.

Here are some healthy vegetarian Diwali breakfast recipes that are full of familiar taste, high in protein and with light cooking.

1. Moong Dal Cheela Stuffed With Paneer

This savoury cheela is made from soaked yellow moong dal. It is stuffed with seasoned paneer to give it extra taste and protein to make it a filling breakfast.

It can be served with some green chutney or plain curd.

Ingredients (Makes About 6 Cheelas)

• 1 cup moong dal, soaked for 3–4 hours
• 100 g paneer, crumbled
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• A pinch of hing
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
• Salt to taste
• A little oil to grease the pan

How to Prepare

• First drain the soaked dal. Then blend into a smooth batter adding in some extra water if required.
• Mix together in a bowl the paneer, onion, green chilli, spices, coriander and salt.
• Heat a non-stick pan and add a little oil. Add a ladle of the batter.
• Spread the batter out to make a thin round shape and cook over a medium heat until golden at the bottom.
• Turn over and add some paneer to one half. Fold up.
• Cook for another minute and serve while hot with some chutney/curd.

Recipe: moong dal cheela recipe

2. Besan Chilla

If you need a quick and easy Diwali special dish then this besan chilla is perfect!

This savoury pancake is made with gram flour, onion, tomato, coriander and green chilli. It can be made in around 15 minutes.

It can be made extra filling by adding some grated vegetables or paneer. Cook on a lightly oiled pan and serve with some mint chutney or curd.

This is great as it is so quick to make. If you are busy with your puja arrangements or guests.

Recipe: besan chilla recipe

3. Vegetable Idli With Sambar

Many South Indian families love to eat their Deepavali breakfast with soft idlis, tasty sambar and fresh coconut chutney.

This is an easy twist on the classic dish. By adding some grated carrot, beans and peas to the batter it adds more vegetables to your meal but still has the familiar taste.

As the idlis are steamed there will be very little oil used. Serve with a big bowl of sambar packed full of vegetables for a more filling breakfast.

You could enjoy 2-3 of these.

Recipe: vegetable idli recipe  

Read: Is Idli Good for Weight Loss?

4. Ragi Dosa

If your family enjoys eating crisp dosas then this is another delicious option.

Ragi (finger millet) is a good source of calcium and fibre. The earthy taste pairs nicely with coconut chutney, tomato chutney or sambar.

It is an easy way to add millets to your breakfasts.

Serve fresh from the tawa with your favourite chutney.

Recipe: ragi dosa recipe

5. Pesarattu (Green Moong Dosa)

This traditional Andhra breakfast uses whole green moong.

This is a great source of plant based protein and fibre as it is made mainly with green moong instead of rice like a traditional dosa.

The batter is spread thinly over a hot tawa and cooked until slightly crisp. You can add some chopped onions, green chillies and coriander.

Serve with some ginger chutney for a traditional taste.

Recipe: pesarattu recipe

6. Maharashtrian Thalipeeth

Thalipeeth is a traditional Maharashtrian preparation that uses a mix of multi grain bhajani flour.

The mixture of different grains along with onions, coriander and spices make it quite tasty and can be served with plain curd.

This can be an awesome addition to your list of region specific Indian breakfast recipes for Diwali.

Ingredients (Makes 4 Thalipeeth)

• 1 cup multigrain bhajani flour
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ¼ cup chopped coriander leaves
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as required
• A little oil for cooking

How to Prepare

1. Combine the bhajani flour, chopped onion, coriander, cumin seeds, red chilli powder and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add some water and create a soft dough.
3. Divide the dough into 4 even balls.
4. Pat into thin circles on a slightly greased tray or tawa.
5. Use a fork to prick small holes in the thalipeeth. Add a few drops of oil.
6. Cook over medium heat until golden.

Serve warm with some curd.

Recipe: thalipeeth recipe

7. Vegetable Poha With Peanuts

Poha can be a quick and comforting breakfast option.

The flattened rice can be cooked very quickly and mixed with vegetable like peas, carrots and onions to add some colour. Sprinkle in some curry leaves, mustard seeds and some lemon.

Add a spoonful of roasted peanuts for some crunch and protein.

Poha is a quick and easy breakfast to cook large amounts of, which can be useful if you have family visiting.

Check out Fitelo’s guide to whether poha is good for weight loss or try Fitelo’s poha cheela recipe.

8. Oats or Vegetable Upma

Upma is a well known breakfast recipe that can be made using sooji or oats.

Add some veggies like carrots, beans, peas and onions to make it more colourful.

Top with curry leaves, lemon juice and coriander.

Oats upma is a great option for a quick warming breakfast.

Check out Fitelo’s oats upma recipe or check out Is Upma Good for Weight Loss?

9. Khaman Dhokla

These soft, fluffy and slightly tangy snacks are a popular choice in Gujarat. They can be served as a breakfast option or a festive snack.

They are made using besan and are generally low in oil as they’re steamed.

They’re also a great option to serve to guests as they can be prepared in advance and sliced into portions.

To keep it light use a small amount of sugar and oil in the tempering.

They are a good choice for Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year, which comes the day after Diwali. 

Check out the khaman dhokla recipe.

10. Ghiya Thepla With Curd

This whole wheat flatbread is made with grated lauki (bottle gourd) and traditional Indian spices.

They’re soft, tasty and easy to transport, making them a great breakfast option for families travelling or visiting family members.

They’re easy to serve with some plain curd. You can even prepare the dough in advance to save time.

Check out Fitelo’s ghiya thepla recipe.

Looking for more filling breakfast options? Check out Fitelo’s high-protein Indian breakfast ideas.

How India Celebrates Deepavali Morning

There are many different ways that people celebrate Deepavali throughout India.

Some families will take an oil bath in the mornings and eat a traditional South Indian breakfast while others will gather together to eat homemade faral, puri-sabzi or regional sweets.

Below are some examples of the foods and traditions they might have.

Tamil Nadu and South India

In many homes in Tamil Nadu Deepavali begins with a traditional oil bath before sunrise. People will then change into new clothes and pray.

People often eat a typical breakfast of idli, medhu vadai, coconut chutney and sambar. People also often eat lots of festive treats such as adhirasam and murukku.

Many families like to enjoy Deepavali legiyam (or marundhu) on this day.

Healthy options: 2-3 idlis with lots of sambar, 1 vadai and a little of your favourite sweet.

This means you can enjoy traditional breakfast items from Tamil Nadu while keeping the meal filling and balanced. 

Maharashtra

Many people in Maharashtra will begin their day with an abhyanga snan oil bath.

They will then enjoy eating faral which is a selection of homemade festive treats. This could be chakli, chivda, karanji, shankarpali, anarse and besan laddu.

This is an important part of the celebrations which they often share with family and neighbours.

Healthy option: Eat a healthy breakfast of thalipeeth or vegetable poha and curd. Only have a little faral.

Gujarat

After celebrating Diwali in Gujarat they will celebrate Bestu Varas (the Gujarati New Year). Traditional foods such as mathiya, chorafali, ghughra and sweets are often served.

They will enjoy eating the festive treats.

Healthy option: Eat a healthy breakfast of dhokla or thepla with curd. Eat smaller amounts of the traditional snacks throughout the day whilst visiting family.

North India

Many people in the North will enjoy eating breakfast on Diwali. This could include puri with aloo sabzi, kachori, chole or sooji halwa.

These are classic items to enjoy in the morning and are often cooked for the whole family.

Healthy option: Eat 2 puris with lots of sabzi and raita. If you want something lighter you could opt for a stuffed besan chilla.

The aim is not to cut out traditional foods but to enjoy your favourite dishes in a way that keeps your meals balanced.

Sample Healthy Diwali Day Menu

Planning can help you to enjoy your festive foods. Below is an easy menu for the whole day.

This is a sample menu. To see what a sweet adds, check the Diwali sweets calories chart. You can adjust the dishes and quantities according to your appetite, routine and dietary needs.

For evening celebrations, explore Fitelo’s healthy Diwali sweets and healthy Diwali snacks.

Light Lunch and Dinner Recipes for Diwali

In addition to having a filling breakfast, planning your lunch and dinner will make sure you have an enjoyable day.

These recipes are easy to make and will provide you with some familiar Indian tastes.

Gatte Ki Sabzi

This traditional Rajasthani recipe uses besan dumplings in a spicy curd gravy.

This makes a tasty lunch to enjoy on Diwali. It goes really well with some roti, seasonal veg and salad.

Recipe: gatte ki sabzi recipe

Sprout Salad

A light salad to enjoy as part of your lunch.

Use moong sprouts with cucumber, tomato, onion, coriander and lemon juice. This will give you a nice crunchy side.

Recipe: sprout salad recipe

Vegetable Vermicelli

This is a quick dinner recipe to enjoy after a busy day of puja, visiting family and celebrating.

The roasted vermicelli is cooked with vegetables and gentle spices similar to upma. This is an easy recipe to make. You can serve with some curd.

Recipe: vegetable vermicelli recipe

Quinoa Pulao

This recipe is a vegetable version of traditional rice pulao.

This recipe uses quinoa, vegetables and Indian spices. It is an easy one pot recipe and is great for a simple Diwali meal.

Serve with some raita.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• ½ cup green peas
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

How to Prepare

• Heat oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
• Add the ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Add the rinsed quinoa, turmeric, garam masala and salt. Mix together.
• Add the water and bring to the boil.
• Cover and cook on a low heat for 15-20 minutes until the water has been absorbed.
• Leave to stand for 5 minutes and then fluff with a fork. Garnish with coriander.
• Serve warm with some plain raita.

Mushroom Pulao

This aromatic rice recipe uses mushrooms and whole spices. Serve with a large bowl of raita and salad.

Recipe: mushroom pulao recipe

Don’t worry if you have eaten more than usual while celebrating. Just go back to normal meals and read our post-Diwali reset guide.

Want a Festive Plan Made for You?

Diwali is a time to enjoy good food, family traditions and celebrations.

At Fitelo, our nutritionists help plan festive weeks around your family’s food preferences and favourite dishes, so you can enjoy the occasion while working towards your health goals.

Book a Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Healthy Breakfast On Diwali Morning?

A healthy Diwali breakfast will be high in protein and fibre. Try moong dal cheela with paneer, besan chilla, vegetable idlis with sambar, ragi dosa, pesarattu, poha with peanuts or dhokla. Have a bowl of curd or fruit and only one or two fried items, such as puri and vada.

What Is Traditionally Eaten For Breakfast On Deepavali?

It depends on where you are from. In Tamil Nadu, people will have an early oil bath and then eat idlis, medhu vadai, chutney, sambar, sweets and Deepavali legiyam. In Maharashtra, people will eat faral such as chakli, chivda, karanji and shankarpali. In North India, it will usually be puri with aloo sabzi, kachori and halwa.

Which Food Is Special For Diwali?

Mithai are a big part of Diwali, such as kaju katli, laddu, barfi, gujiya and soan papdi. Namkeen is also popular, with chakli, mathri, chivda and sev. Regional favourites include adhirasam and murukku in Tamil Nadu, faral in Maharashtra, and mathiya and ghughra in Gujarat.

What Should I Eat Before A Diwali Party?

Have a light snack with some protein in it, such as a bowl of curd, roasted chana, besan chilla or sprouts. Going to a party on an empty stomach means you are more likely to overeat sweets and fried foods.

What Is A Light Dinner After Diwali Sweets?

Try to keep meals simple. Have moong dal khichdi with curd, vegetable soup with roti, sprout salad, or dal with sabzi and salad. Don’t have seconds of rice or dessert. Eat 2-3 hours before going to bed.

What Are The Best Indian Breakfast Dishes?

Some of the best healthy Indian breakfasts are idlis with sambar, moong dal cheela, besan chilla, ragi dosa, pesarattu, vegetable poha, upma, dhokla, thepla with curd and vegetable daliya. Most of these are made from pulses, millets or whole grains and don’t need much oil.

What Can I Serve For A Diwali Breakfast For Guests?

Provide a variety of foods. Have a steamed or pan-cooked option (idli, dhokla, cheela), something festive (a small amount of halwa or one sweet per person), something fresh (fruit chaat or sprouts) and a low-sugar masala chai or filter coffee. This will feel like a celebration without being too heavy.

Sources

The regional Deepavali traditions and breakfast dishes discussed in this article are supported by the following references:

1. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India – Deepa Oli, Tamil Nadu. Describes the traditional morning oil bath, festive foods including idli, chutney and sambar, and the preparation of Deepavali legiyam. Deepa Oli, Tamil Nadu
2. Raks Kitchen – Deepavali Breakfast Menu, Diwali Breakfast Recipes. Documents a traditional Tamil household breakfast featuring idli, medhu vadai, chutney, adhirasam and other festive dishes. Deepavali Breakfast Menu, Diwali Breakfast Recipes
3. The News Minute – The Different Deepavali Feasts of Tamil Nadu. Explores regional food traditions and the significance of the early-morning oil bath in Tamil Nadu. The Different Deepavali Feasts of Tamil Nadu

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have diabetes or another health condition, ask your doctor or a registered dietitian how to plan festive meals.