Upma Recipe: A South Indian Breakfast Delight
Upma is a popular and wholesome South Indian breakfast dish made from semolina (sooji or rava). It's flavorful, quick to prepare, and packed with nutrients. Perfect for busy mornings or light dinners, Upma can be customized with vegetables, nuts, and spices for added taste and nutrition.
Nutrient Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Vitamin C: From added lemon and vegetables
- Iron: From semolina and dals
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Semolina (sooji/rava) – 1 cup
- Water – 2.5 cups
- Ghee or oil – 2 tablespoons
For Tempering:
- Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Curry leaves – 8–10
- Green chilies – 2, chopped
- Ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated
- Urad dal (split black gram) – 1 teaspoon
- Chana dal (split Bengal gram) – 1 teaspoon
- Cashews – 8–10 (optional)
Vegetables (Optional):
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Carrot – 1 small, finely chopped
- Green peas – 2 tablespoons
Spices and Seasoning:
- Salt – to taste
- Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch
Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves – 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
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Preparation Steps
1. Roast the Semolina
- Dry roast the semolina on medium heat until it turns light golden and aromatic. Keep stirring to avoid burning. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Tempering
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add curry leaves, green chilies, ginger, urad dal, chana dal, and cashews. Sautรฉ until the dals turn golden.
3. Cook the Vegetables
- Add onions and sautรฉ until translucent.
- Add the chopped vegetables, sautรฉ briefly, and cook for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Water and Boil
- Pour in the water and add salt. Bring it to a rolling boil.
5. Cook the Upma
- Lower the heat and gradually add the roasted semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes until the semolina absorbs the water and achieves a soft, fluffy texture.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat, mix in lemon juice, and garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot with coconut chutney or pickle.
Tips for Best Upma
- Roasting the Semolina: This step ensures a non-sticky texture.
- Customize: Add your choice of vegetables, such as beans or bell peppers, for extra nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust green chilies according to your preference.
Enjoy this comforting and nutritious dish as a quick breakfast or snack!
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