Upma Recipe – How to Make the comforting South Indian Breakfast

Upma Recipe: Upma is a hearty South Indian breakfast made from semolina and spices. This satisfying dish comes together quickly and makes for a nourishing morning meal.

This easy upma recipe will guide you to make the comforting breakfast staple at home with simple ingredients and techniques.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make upma for 2-3 people, you will need:

• 2 cups semolina (rava/sooji)
• 1 cup water
• 3 cups vegetables, chopped (onion, tomato, carrot, beans etc)
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• Handful curry leaves
• 1 inch ginger, chopped
• 2-3 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• Pinch asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

That’s all you need to whip up flavorful upma in minutes! Adjust the quantity of veggies used according to preference. Now let’s see how to put it all together.

Step-By-Step Upma Recipe

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan/kadai. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
2. Add green chilies, ginger, curry leaves and asafoetida. Saute for 30 seconds.
3. Add chopped veggies like onion, beans, carrot etc. Cook on high flame for 2 minutes.
4. Reduce flame to medium. Add 2 cups of semolina and roast for 3-4 minutes till fragrant.
5. Pour 1 cup water and add salt. Mix well ensuring no lumps.
6. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes as semolina absorbs the water.
7. Finish with lemon juice and mix well. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Hot and aromatic upma is ready to relish! Enjoy it with chutney, sambar or ketchup.

Tips and Variations

• Use seasonal vegetables like peas, bell peppers etc.
• Add cashews, peanuts or almonds for crunch.
• Put whole spices like cumin, mustard, chana dal in tempering.
• Use thick poha instead of sooji for lighter texture.
• Finish with a drizzle of ghee for added richness.
• For protein boost, add boiled chickpeas or paneer cubes.
• Add grated coconut and curry leaves for Kerala style upma.
• For spice, add chili powder or pepper to the seasoning.

There are so many ways to customize upma as per taste and dietary needs. Make your own versions!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair upma with coconut chutney or tomato ketchup.
• Serve with a cup of South Indian filter coffee.
• Accompany with peanut chikki or murmura for a balanced breakfast.
• Stuff upma inside bread slices for a fusion upma sandwich.
• Roll upma inside hot dosa along with chutney for upma masala dosa.

Get creative with fun ways to enjoy upma as a quick breakfast, snack or light dinner.

Storage and Reheating

Upma tastes best freshly made but keeps well refrigerated for 2-3 days in an air-tight container. To reheat –

• Add 2-3 tbsp water to leftover upma and mix well.
• Heat it in the microwave till warm and moist. Fluff with a fork before serving.
• Can also be reheated in a pan with water on low flame while stirring continuously.

Enjoy upma within a few days of cooking for the best texture. It tends to dry out on extended storage.

The History of Upma

Upma traces its origins to South India where it was created as a quick, satiating South Indian breakfast option with simple ingredients on hand.

Different regions put their own spin by using local spices, veggies and techniques. Upma became a staple across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh though the recipes varied.

From humble beginnings, upma gained widespread popularity across India for its simplicity, taste and versatility. It became a go-to option to utilize leftover or overripe vegetables.

This traditional breakfast continues to be made frequently in homes, street stalls and restaurants across South India owing to its deliciousness and nutrition. Easy to whip up and customize!

Why Make Upma at Home?

Making upma at home has many benefits:

• Healthy breakfast – Provides energy and nutrition
• Cost effective – Much cheaper than eating out
• Customizable – Make to individual tastes
• Creative – Use any veggies available at home
• Versatile – Good for kids, adults and guests
• Convenient – Makes a quick weekday breakfast
• Satisfying – Comforting aroma and taste

With this easy recipe, you can enjoy fresh upma daily made from quality ingredients of your choice.

Tips for Perfect Upma

Follow these tips for best tasting upma every time:

• Dry roast the semolina (rava) till fragrant before adding water
• Saute veggies in very hot oil for a minute to retain crunch
• Add water and cover immediately to allow even cooking
• Use thick bottomed pan/kadai for uniform cooking
• Add lemon juice once upma is cooked through
• Finish with chopped coriander and serve right away
• Add more or less water to get desired consistency

Using the right techniques ensures upma turns out light and flavorful. Getting the texture just right elevates this simple dish.

Conclusion

Upma is a comforting South Indian breakfast made in a breeze with basic ingredients like semolina, veggies and spices. This recipe guides you to easily whip it up any time with a few tips for success.

Customize upma with your choice of vegetables, spice level and texture. Serve it with chutney, ketchup or Indian filter coffee for a complete meal. Perfect for hectic mornings!

Making upma at home allows you to control the ingredients and add a personal touch. So get creative with this versatile dish.

Now grab your wok and whip up a hot batch of delicious South Indian breakfast upma. The aroma itself will brighten your day!