Seafood for Breakfast
Adding prawns to your poha or upma for a protein boost
Breakfast in most Indian homes is comforting and familiar. A warm plate of poha or a bowl of soft upma is often the go to start of the day. But what if you could make these everyday favourites more filling and nutritious without changing their soul? Adding prawns to your breakfast is a simple idea that brings a powerful protein boost and a fresh twist to your routine.
Why think beyond the usual breakfast
Most traditional breakfasts are rich in carbohydrates. While they give quick energy, they may not keep you full for long. This is where protein plays an important role. It helps you stay satisfied, supports muscle health, and keeps your energy levels steady through the morning.
Prawns are a great source of lean protein. They are light, easy to cook, and blend beautifully with Indian flavours. Adding them to dishes like poha or upma can make your breakfast more balanced without making it heavy.
Why prawns work so well
Prawns cook quickly and absorb flavours easily. They pair well with basic Indian ingredients like curry leaves, mustard seeds, onions, and green chillies. Their mild sweetness adds a pleasant contrast to the spices we already love in our breakfast dishes.
They are also rich in important nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine and omega 3 fatty acids. So you are not just adding protein but also improving the overall nutritional value of your meal.
Prawn poha made simple
To make prawn poha, start with your regular poha recipe. Wash and soften the poha as you usually do. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped onions and green chillies. Once the onions turn soft, add cleaned prawns and cook for a few minutes until they turn pink.
Now add turmeric, salt, and a pinch of sugar if you like. Mix in the poha and toss everything together gently. Finish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon. The result is a light yet satisfying dish that feels familiar but tastes exciting.
Upma with a seafood twist
For prawn upma, begin with roasting the semolina as usual. In another pan, prepare the tempering with oil, mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, onions, and green chillies. Add prawns and cook till done. Then pour in water, bring it to a boil and slowly add the roasted semolina.
Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Let it cook till soft and fluffy. The prawns add a juicy bite that takes the simple upma to another level.
Perfect for busy mornings
One of the best parts about using prawns is how quickly they cook. You do not need extra time or complicated steps. With ready to cook options, you can make a wholesome breakfast in minutes. This makes it ideal for working professionals, parents, or anyone looking for a quick yet nutritious meal.
A small change with big benefits
Adding prawns to your poha or upma is not about changing your habits completely. It is about upgrading what you already enjoy. With better nutrition, great taste and minimal effort, this simple idea can make your mornings more satisfying.
So the next time you plan your breakfast, think beyond the usual and give your plate a protein packed seafood twist.


