Starting your day with the right breakfast can make all the difference to your energy, focus, and mood. While it’s easy to grab something quick, choosing a protein-rich and nutrient-balanced breakfast can help you stay full longer and avoid mid-morning energy crashes.
Recently, nutritionist Palak Nagpal shared a breakfast idea that’s as nutritious as it is unique — “Dal Pitha”, which she describes as “a complete protein breakfast that looks like an Indian version of bao.”
Soft on the outside and packed with protein-rich dal filling, Dal Pitha offers a delicious Indian twist to your morning plate.
“Not Your Regular Breakfast” — Palak Nagpal’s Protein-Rich Morning Pick
In her post, Nagpal explained how Dal Pitha is a wholesome alternative to carb-heavy breakfast items.
“Dip it in mint chutney or a creamy paneer protein dip. That’s when you know you’re having dal pitha — a wholesome, protein-packed start to your day,” she said.
She captioned her post,
“Not your regular breakfast — this is Dal Pitha,”
and fondly called it “the Indian cousin of a bao.”
Step-by-Step: How to Make Dal Pitha at Home
If you’re looking to try this breakfast idea yourself, here’s Palak Nagpal’s simple recipe for making Dal Pitha at home:
1. Prepare the filling:
- Soak 1 cup channa dal (or any protein-rich dal mix) for 2–3 hours.
- Boil or pressure cook until soft.
- Grind it coarsely with garlic, green chilli, ginger, red chilli powder, mango powder, salt, and jeera.
2. Make the outer dough:
- Knead rice flour with hot water and salt to make a soft dough.
3. Shape and steam:
- Roll out small discs of the dough.
- Stuff each disc with the dal filling and fold into dumpling shapes.
- Steam for 20–30 minutes until soft and fluffy.
Why Choose Dal Pitha for Breakfast
- 🥣 High in protein: Keeps you fuller for longer and supports muscle health.
- ⚡ Sustained energy: Provides steady fuel without the sugar spikes from typical carb breakfasts.
- 🧘 Easy to digest: Perfect for those seeking a light yet nourishing morning meal.
With its blend of flavour, texture, and nutrition, Dal Pitha is a great way to give your mornings a healthy twist — and a delicious one too.