Upma Recipe: Warm & Wholesome South Indian Breakfast Delight

Upma is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish that is loved for its simplicity, versatility, and comforting flavours. Made with semolina (also known as rava or sooji), Upma is a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. In this blog post, we will share a delicious Upma recipe along with tips and variations to help you create a perfect bowl of this warm and wholesome breakfast treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (rava/sooji)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon split urad dal (black gram lentils)
• 1 tablespoon chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped green beans
• 1/4 cup green peas
• 2 green chillies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves (for garnishing)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Method:

1. Dry roast the semolina in a pan over medium heat until it turns lightly golden and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
3. Add chopped onions, green chillies, and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
4. Add the chopped carrots, green beans, and green peas. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Add salt to taste.
6. Gradually add the roasted semolina to the boiling water while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove the lid and give it a gentle stir. If the Upma appears dry, you can sprinkle a little water and mix well.
8. Cover the pan again and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the Upma is cooked through and reaches a soft and fluffy texture.
9. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the Upma for an added tangy flavour (optional).
10. Serve the warm and wholesome Upma hot as a standalone breakfast dish or pair it with coconut chutney, pickle, or yoghurt.

Tips:

• You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or grated cabbage for more variety.
• Customize the spiciness by adjusting the number of green chillies according to your taste preference.

Finally:

Upma is a popular South Indian breakfast dish that offers a comforting and wholesome start to the day. With its semolina base and a medley of vegetables, it provides a balanced and nutritious meal. By following this easy Upma recipe, you can enjoy the warm and flavorful goodness of this traditional breakfast delight in your kitchen. Serve it with your favourite accompaniments and relish the comforting flavours that will keep you energized throughout the day.