Let’s start the day with the familiar tastes of Upma, a popular South Indian breakfast food that tastes great and is good for you. To make this classic food, you use semolina (also called rava or sooji) and add vegetables and spices. I can’t wait to tell you more about it.
In South India, upma is a famous breakfast dish that people love because it is easy to make and is good with many different foods. To make it, you roast semolina in a little oil until it turns golden brown. Then you cook it with broth or water and add a mix of tasty spices, like curry leaves, ginger, green chilies, and mustard seeds. Adding vegetables like onions, carrots, and peas can make a dish taste better and be healthier.
I’ll talk about Upma in this blog, including what goes into it, how to cook it, and why it’s so popular with people who like healthy, filling meals. Whether you eat it straight or with chutney or pickle on the side, Upma will calm you and give you energy for the day. Let’s go on an adventure through the land of Upma!
Upma Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Semolina (rava or sooji)
- 2 tablespoons Oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 teaspoon Chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 1-2 Green chilies finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 Carrot finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Peas fresh or frozen
- 2 cups Water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Semolina
- Heat a dry skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the semolina to the pan and roast it, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the roasted semolina from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tempering
- In the same pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the urad dal, chana dal, and cumin seeds to the pan. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion and green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
- Add the chopped carrot and peas to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Step 4: Cook the Upma
- Pour the water into the pan and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the roasted semolina to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the upma for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the semolina is cooked through.
- Season the upma with turmeric powder and salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the upma with fresh coriander leaves, if desired.
- Serve the upma hot with a side of chutney, pickle, or yogurt. Squeeze a lemon wedge over the upma for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.
- Enjoy the comforting and flavorful upma as a delicious breakfast or light meal option.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Variations: You can customize upma by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or green beans. You can also add roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch and flavor.
- Texture: The texture of upma can be adjusted by varying the ratio of semolina to water. For a softer texture, use more water, and for a firmer texture, use less water.
- Leftovers: Leftover upma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.