10-Minute Desi Breakfasts: Chai, Sandwiches and Smoothies

Weekday mornings in most homes look the same: someone is late for school, someone is late for the office, and everyone still wants chai. The trick to a calm breakfast is not a complicated recipe. It is having the right small appliances doing the slow parts for you.

1. Faster doodh patti with an electric kettle

Boiling water on a weak gas flame takes time. An electric kettle boils it in a few minutes and switches itself off.

1. Boil water in the kettle while you get the cups ready.
2. Pour it into a pateela with patti, sugar and elaichi, and bring it back to the boil.
3. Add milk, let it rise twice, strain and serve.

The 2 litre electric kettle holds enough water for a family round of chai in one go, with auto cut-off and a power light so you never boil it dry.

2. Grilled sandwiches in 5 minutes

Leftover chicken salan or aloo from last night makes a great sandwich filling.

• Chicken tikka sandwich: shredded chicken, a little mayo, chopped onion and chaat masala.
• Masala aloo toastie: mashed aloo with green chilli, coriander and a slice of cheese.
• Egg and cheese: scrambled egg with black pepper and cheese.

Butter the outside of the bread, fill, close the lid and wait for the ready light. The Kenwood Sandwich Maker makes two slices at a time at 750W, with power and ready indicator lights and easy-clean plates.

3. Banana shake or lassi without the big blender

A hand blender goes straight into the glass, so there is less to wash.

• Banana shake: one banana, a cup of cold milk, a spoon of honey or sugar and a few dates.
• Meethi lassi: dahi, cold water, sugar and a pinch of elaichi.

The Kenwood 3-in-1 Hand Blender Set has a 900W motor, a 1000ml blending cup, a whisk for omelettes and a chopper for onions and herbs, which covers most of breakfast in one box.

A 10-minute plan

1. Minute 0: switch on the kettle and the sandwich maker.
2. Minute 2: fill the sandwiches and close the lid.
3. Minute 4: start the chai with the boiled water.
4. Minute 6: blend the shakes for the kids.
5. Minute 10: everyone eats.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make paratha rolls in a sandwich maker?

Yes. Fold a filled paratha to fit the plates and grill it for a crisp outside.

Is an electric kettle cheaper than gas for boiling water?

It depends on your electricity and gas rates, but a kettle is usually faster and shuts off on its own, so no water or heat is wasted.

Make mornings easier with cash on delivery across Pakistan: electric kettle, sandwich maker and hand blender set.