Upma is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious. Made from semolina (also known as rava), vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by many across India. In this blog, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect upma, as well as provide tips to make it more delicious.
Whether you’re making upma for yourself or for your family, this recipe will not disappoint!
What is Upma?
Upma is a savory porridge made from semolina (rava or suji). It’s often cooked with a mix of vegetables, including carrots, peas, and beans, along with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies to give it a burst of flavor. This dish is typically enjoyed as a breakfast but can also be served as a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients for Upma
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Semolina (Rava) | 1 cup | Use fine semolina for smooth texture |
| Water | 2 cup | Adjust based on your desired consistency |
| Oil or Ghee (clarified butter) | 2 tablespoons | Ghee gives a rich flavor; oil is a lighter option |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon | For tempering |
| cumin seed | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds a nutty aroma |
| Urad Dal (split black gram) | 1 teaspoon | Optional, adds crunch and flavor |
| Chana Dal (split chickpeas) | 1 teaspoon | Optional, adds crunch and flavor |
| Green Chilies (finely chopped) | 1-2 | Adjust to taste |
| Ginger (grated or finely chopped) | 1 teaspoon | Adds a fresh, zesty flavor |
| Curry Leaves | 6-8 Leaves | Adds an authentic South Indian touch |
| Onions (finely chopped) | 1 medium | Optional, adds sweetness and depth of flavor |
| Carrot (finely chopped) | 1 small | Adds sweetness and color |
| Green Beans (chopped) | 1/4 cup | Optional, for extra crunch and flavor |
| Frozen Peas | 1/4 cup | Adds color and a sweet flavor |
| Salt | To taste | Adjust based on your preference |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon | Adds a tangy finish |
| Fresh Coriander (chopped) | 2 tablespoon | For garnish and freshness |
Step-by-Step Method for Making Upma
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started with making upma!
Step 1: Dry Roast the Semolina (Rava)
- Heat a pan on medium heat and add the semolina (rava).
- Roast the rava, stirring continuously, for 3-4 minutes or until it becomes slightly golden and emits a nutty aroma. This step helps prevent the upma from becoming lumpy. Once done, remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tempering
- Heat oil or ghee in the same pan over medium heat.
- Add the mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add the cumin seeds.
- Now, add the urad dal and chana dal (if using) and fry until they turn golden brown.
- Add the chopped green chilies, ginger, and curry leaves. Stir for a minute until the ginger becomes aromatic.
- If you’re using onions, add them now and sauté until they turn soft and translucent.
- Next, add the chopped carrots, green beans, and peas. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Step 3: Add Water and Salt
- Pour in 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. You can adjust the water quantity based on your desired consistency – less water for a thicker upma, more for a softer, runnier texture.
- Add salt to taste, and let the water come to a rolling boil.
Step 4: Add Semolina
- Once the water is boiling, slowly add the roasted semolina while stirring continuously with one hand. This helps in preventing lumps from forming.
- Stir the mixture well until the semolina absorbs all the water. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more water to adjust the consistency.
- Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat. This will allow the semolina to cook through completely.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Turn off the heat, and add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
- Stir everything well to combine. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for an added burst of freshness.
Step 6: Serve the Upma
Upma is now ready to be served! It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with coconut chutney, pickle, or a hot cup of tea for breakfast.
Tips for the Perfect Upma
- Roasting the rava: Make sure you roast the rava on a low-medium flame. This step is crucial to avoid a raw taste in the upma.
- Water Ratio: The general water-to-rava ratio is 2:1. However, you can adjust the water depending on how soft or firm you want your upma.
- Flavor Variations: You can add different vegetables like beans, peas, corn, and even potatoes to make the upma heartier. You can also add some cashews for a crunchy texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder version, you can skip the chilies or use a pinch of chili powder.
- Use ghee: If you’re not vegan, ghee adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the upma, making it even more delicious.
Nutritional Benefits of Upma
Upma is not just tasty, but also nutritious. It contains a good mix of carbohydrates from the semolina, fiber, and vitamins from the vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. Additionally, the spices used in upma, like ginger and curry leaves, have their own health benefits, including improved digestion and anti-inflammatory properties.
Serving Suggestions
Upma can be enjoyed in many ways:
- With Coconut Chutney: A refreshing chutney made with fresh coconut, green chilies, and ginger complements the savory upma beautifully.
- With Pickle: A tangy and spicy pickle on the side adds a flavorful punch to the dish.
- With Sambar: If you’re looking for a more filling meal, you can serve upma with a side of sambar (a lentil-based curry).
- With a Hot Cup of Tea or Coffee: In many South Indian homes, upma is traditionally enjoyed with a hot cup of masala chai (spiced tea).
Conclusion
Upma is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that suits all tastes and preferences. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or even a snack in the evening. With its healthy ingredients and the ability to customize it with your favorite vegetables, it’s a dish that will never go out of style.
We hope you enjoyed this simple upma recipe! Give it a try and add your twist to it. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your family and friends!
