66 Diabetic Indian Breakfast Recipes

Healthy Vegetarian Diabetic Indian Breakfast Recipes

Whether you’re managing diabetes or simply want lighter, wholesome Indian veg breakfast ideas, Tarla Dalal’s collection has easy, everyday options the whole family will love. Start your day deliciously and guilt-free with these diabetic-friendly Indian breakfast favorites — let’s make mornings nourishing and tasty again!

Diabetics should try and eat low glycemic index fruits and try and stick to low carb foods. Eat more of fiber for breakfast through your chilas or healthy Indian pancakes.

What foods should diabetics try and include in breakfast?

1. Oats

2. Ragi

3. Bajra

4. Karela

5. Buckwheat

6. Methi, Palak, Pudina, Coriander

7. Eggs

8. Dalia

9. Quinoa

10. Moong dal

Indian Rotis for Diabetic Breakfast

Indians traditionally have some form of bread for breakfast. The suffed nachni roti has diabetic friendly vegetables like methi, cauliflower and fenugreek. We suggest you pair this with some low fat curds to make a complete breakfast by itself.

stuffed nachni roti | stuffed nachni roti with cauliflower, karela, methi | healthy ragi paratha | 

We love Ragi flour as it is high in protein and great source for vegetarians. In addition its gluten-free, fibre rich food which in turn is good for diabetics and a healthy heart. 

A healthy snack which is full of protein, calcium and fiber is just what a diabetic needs in the morning. Have the Doodhi thepla recipe which is made of whole wheat flour, doodhi and low fat curds. This doodhi thepla can be had with some lehsun chutney and a glass of masala chaas to make a complete diabetic breakfast meal.

doodhi thepla recipe | Gujarati dudhi na thepla | healthy lauki thepla | bottle gourd thepla |

methi khakhra | whole wheat methi khakhra | Gujarati  khakhra for diabetics, low cholesterol, blood pressure  | iron rich fenugreek flat bread | 

Whole Wheat Methi Khakhra is an excellent choice for diabetics, heart patients, those with high blood pressure, and people managing cholesterol levels because it is made using whole wheat flour, which provides complex carbohydrates and fiber that help maintain steady blood sugar levels. The addition of methi (fenugreek leaves) further enhances its benefits, as methi is known to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cholesterol, and support heart health. Sesame seeds add healthy fats and minerals, while the use of minimal oil keeps the khakhra light and low in saturated fat. Since the recipe uses restricted salt, it becomes suitable for blood pressure control. Being roasted and not fried, this khakhra is crunchy, low-calorie, and digestion-friendly—making it a diabetic-safe, heart-healthy, low-cholesterol snack ideal for daily consumption.

Jowar bajr garlic roti is easy to make. We have made it by combining both the millet flours, garlic paste and sesame seeds. Garlic will gives a unique flavor to the roti, as both the flours are bland. It also has heart protecting benefits. Being a good source of fibre, it is a wise choice for diabetics.

Jowar bajr garlic roti  | bajra jowar lehsun roti | healthy jowar bajra garlic roti | 

Can diabetics have Idlis for breakfast?

Yes, diabetics can have idlis. But not this traditional idli recipe as par boiled white rice is full of simple carbohydrates that may induce weight gain. Instead have the fibre rich oats idli which has no rice used. 

Multi flour idli recipe is yet another healthier version than traditional idli as there is no parboiled rice used in the recipe. healthy multi grain idli is made from urad dal, bajra flour, whole wheat flour, ragi flour and jowar flour. 

multi flour idli recipe | healthy multigrain idli | millet flour idli | Indian multigrain idli batter |

Moong dal and spinach idli breaks all the stereotypes that tasty idlis cannot be made with rice. The bright green colour adds to its eye appeal. With 4.2 g of carbs per idli, it is a better option for a diabetic to indluge into.

Moong dal and spinach idli | healthy dal palak idli | spinach moong dal idli |

oats idli recipe | instant oats idli | healthy oats idli for diabetics, heart, low cholesterol, blood pressure | how to make oats idli | 

Although the original idli itself is quite nutritious, this innovative version of Oats Idli is even more wholesome and filling.This instant oats idli has only 1 hour of resting time. No fermenting time needed. In these healthy oats idli for diabetics, high glycemic index rice is replaced with oats. Further it has been combined with urad dal to reduce its overall low glycemic index. These healthy oats idlis can be enjoyed by heart patients and those with high cholesterol levels too. The beta-glucagon in oats is known to manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels both.

Can diabetics have dosa for breakfast?

Yes, diabetics can have dosas. But not this traditional dosa recipe as it has lots of rice. Have the fibre rich oats dosa which is gluten free and a good source of protein. Even better is add peas to the oats for a filling oats mutter dosa fiber rich recipe. 

oats dosa  | oats dosa for weight loss | Indian oats dosa with urad dal | oats dosa – healthy breakfast

Quinoa dosa | quinoa dosa recipe | healthy quinoa dosa | quinoa urad dal and whole wheat flour dosa

Top 10 Diabetic-Friendly Indian Breakfasts

1. Oats Upma
   • Quick oats + mixed vegetables + spices.
   • Why top: High soluble fiber (beta-glucan) from oats slows sugar absorption; very low GI.
   • Calories: ~200–250 per serving.

2 Ragi (Finger Millet) Dosa / Uttapam

Ragi flour batter with veggies/onions.

Why top: Extremely low GI (~40–50), calcium-rich, gluten-free.

Calories: ~80–100 per dosa.

3 Moong Dal Cheela / Chilla

Soaked moong dal + veggies + spices (besan variant also popular).

Why top: High protein & fiber; very low GI (~30–40).

Calories: ~70–100 per chilla.

4 Quinoa Dosa / Upma

Quinoa batter or upma with veggies.

Why top: Complete protein, lower GI than rice (~53), filling.

Calories: ~80–120 per serving.

5 Besan (Chickpea Flour) Chilla / Pancake

Besan + onions/tomatoes + spices.

Why top: Protein-packed, low GI (~35–45), quick & customizable.

Calories: ~100–150 per chilla.

6 Moong Dal Idli / Spinach Moong Dal Idli

Moong dal + spinach/urad dal (rice-free).

Why top: High protein, fiber; low carbs per idli (~25–30 kcal).

Calories: ~25–50 per idli.

7 Bajra Roti with Veggies

Jowar or bajra flour roti + curd/vegetable side.

Why top: Millets have low GI (~50–55), high fiber & minerals.

Calories: ~80–100 per roti.

8 Broken Wheat (Dalia) Upma

Dalia + veggies + minimal oil.

Why top: Excellent fiber source, very filling, low GI (~50).

Calories: ~110–150 per bowl.

9 Sprouted Moong Salad / Dhokla

Sprouted moong + veggies or steamed dhokla.

Why top: Ultra-high protein & fiber; almost zero GI impact.

Calories: ~40–100 per serving.

10 Mixed sprouts Poha

Brown poha + veggies + peanuts.

Why top: Lower GI than white poha; fiber from veggies/peanuts.

Calories: ~150–200 per bowl.

Quick Tips for All

• Pair with low-fat curd, mint chutney, or green tea for better satiety.
• Use minimal oil/ghee; add spices like turmeric, jeera, and methi for anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Portion control: Stick to 1–2 pieces/servings to keep carbs low.
• Always consult a doctor/dietitian for personalized advice.

Healthy Indian Pancakes for Diabetics

The combination of green peas and moong dal helps to enhance the fiber and protein content of green peas pancake recipe. 

green peas pancake recipe | green peas cheela with moong dal | healthy green peas Indian pancake

oats upma | oats upma with vegetables | healthy Indian oats upma |  quick oats upma for diabetes, heart,  blood pressure

Oats Upma is an excellent choice for those managing diabetes, heart health, hypothyroidism, and blood pressure. Made with quick cooking oats, a rich source of soluble fiber (beta-glucan), it helps control blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol, and improve digestion. The use of olive oil instead of saturated fats supports heart health, while the addition of turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Ingredients like carrots, green peas, and onions add essential vitamins and minerals, supporting thyroid balance and overall metabolism. By keeping salt restricted and using fresh coriander for garnish, this wholesome dish becomes a perfect, light, and nourishing meal for those looking to maintain steady energy levels and healthy weight management.

Quinoa upma | quinoa upma recipe | vegetable quinoa upma | veg Indian upma | how to make quinoa upma

Quinoa Upma is especially beneficial for individuals with pregnancy, PCOS, heart disease, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. . Its heart-healthy fats and antioxidants help manage cholesterol levels, while the high fiber content aids digestion and weight control in diabetics and those with hypothyroidism.

Broken Wheat Upma, as the name suggests is a nutrient-rich wheat based upma. While the broken wheat brings in loads of dietary fibre and energy, carrot and green peas bring along a wealth of nutrients, especially vitamin A. 

Broken Wheat Upma | Broken Wheat Upma, Healthy Breakfast Recipe

Karela for Diabetic Breakfast

Karela is extremely beneficial to diabetics and use it in any form. This karela thepla recipe uses the peels of karela and whole wheat flour and bajra as its base. It is suggest for diabetics to have karela juice first thing in the morning. Karela is also a great source of potassium and works for those with high blood pressure too. 

karela juice recipe for diabetics | bitter gourd juice for weight loss, blood pressure, glowing skin | healthy karela juice

Seven -Day Diabetic Indian Breakfast Plan

FAQs

1. What are the best Indian breakfast options for people with diabetes?

The best choices are low-glycemic-index (low-GI) foods that are high in fiber and protein. Popular options from this collection include:

Oats upma

Quinoa dosa

Moong dal idli

Ragi / nachni rotis

Nutritious thalipeeth (multi-grain)

Vegetable oats pancakes

Sprouts dhokla These help keep blood sugar stable and provide sustained energy.

2. Can diabetics eat idli or dosa for breakfast?

Yes, but not the traditional rice-based versions, as white rice has a high glycemic index. Instead, choose healthier alternatives like:

Oats idli

Moong dal & spinach idli

Multi-flour idli (using bajra, ragi, jowar, whole wheat)

Quinoa dosa

Oats dosa These versions replace rice with lower-GI grains and add fiber/protein.

3. Which flours or grains are diabetic-friendly for Indian breakfasts?

Good options include:

Oats

Ragi (finger millet / nachni)

Bajra (pearl millet)

Jowar (sorghum)

Broken wheat (dalia)

Quinoa

Moong dal

Buckwheat (kuttu) These are high in fiber, have a lower glycemic load, and help manage blood sugar better than refined flour or white rice.

4. Should diabetics avoid rotis / parathas for breakfast?

Not necessarily. Whole-grain or millet-based rotis are excellent choices. Recommended options:

Stuffed nachni (ragi) roti with vegetables

Doodhi (lauki) thepla

Jowar-bajra-garlic roti

Whole wheat methi khakhra Pair them with low-fat curd or a vegetable side for a balanced meal.

5. How can karela (bitter gourd) be included in a diabetic breakfast?

Karela is one of the most beneficial vegetables for diabetes due to its blood-sugar-lowering properties. Easy ways to include it:

Karela thepla (using peels)

Karela juice first thing in the morning (recommended by many experts)

Add small amounts to vegetable upma or pancakes

6. What should a diabetic breakfast ideally contain?

A good diabetic breakfast should include:

High fiber (from whole grains, vegetables)

Moderate protein (from dals, sprouts, low-fat dairy)

Healthy fats in small amounts (e.g., peanuts, sesame seeds)

Low-GI carbohydrates

Plenty of non-starchy vegetables Avoid: refined flour, sugar, high-GI fruits, and excessive potatoes.

7. Is there a sample 7-day diabetic Indian breakfast plan? Yes, here’s a simple plan (approximate calories per serving):

Day 1: Vegetable Oats Upma (~207 kcal)

Day 2: Quinoa Dosa (~79 kcal per dosa)

Day 3: Moong Dal Spinach Idli (~26 kcal per idli)

Day 4: Stuffed Nachni Roti (~95 kcal per roti)

Day 5: Chana Dal Pancakes (~75 kcal per pancake)

Day 6: Nutritious Thalipeeth (~84 kcal per piece)

Day 7: Broken Wheat (Dalia) Upma (~111 kcal per plate) Always consult your doctor or dietitian before following any plan.

8. Are these recipes suitable only for diabetics?

No – these recipes are healthy for everyone. They are particularly beneficial for:

People managing diabetes

Those aiming for weight loss

Heart health

Better digestion

General wellness (high fiber, nutrient-dense)

9. Can I eat these breakfasts every day?

Yes, most of these recipes are suitable for daily consumption as they use whole grains, vegetables, and minimal oil. However, variety is important for balanced nutrition, and portion control still matters.

10. Where can I find more diabetic-friendly recipes?

Explore other sections on the site:

Diabetic Soups

Diabetic Salads & Raitas

Diabetic Dals & Khadis

Diabetic Rotis & Parathas

Diabetic Snacks & Starters

Diabetic Drinks & Desserts

Disclaimer:

It is highly recommended that these recipes be relished by diabetics only occasionally and in small quantities. It is best to consult your doctor or dietitian for individual dietary needs.

Enjoy our Diabetic Indian Breakfast Recipes | Healthy Breakfast for Diabetes | Diabetic Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes along with other related diabetes articles below. 

Diabetic Recipes
Diabetes and Healthy Heart
Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Recipes, Diet
Diabetes and Kidney friendly
Diabetic Accompaniments
Diabetic Soups
Diabetic Starters & Snacks
Diabetic Dals & Khadis
Diabetic Desserts
Diabetic Drinks / Beverages
Diabetic International Recipes
Diabetic Rice, Khichdi and Biryani
Diabetic Rotis and Parathas
Diabetic Salads & Raitas
Diabetic Subzis