Best Easy Upma Recipe

Upma is a savory South Indian semolina porridge tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and vegetables. This healthy vegetarian breakfast is light yet satisfying, fitting easily into a 1200 calorie or bariatric meal plan.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 230 kcal
#vegetarian #breakfast #high fiber #healthy meal
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • semolina (sooji) 1 cup
  • onion, finely chopped 0.5 cup
  • carrot, diced 0.25 cup
  • peas (fresh or frozen) 0.25 cup
  • green chili, finely chopped 1 piece
  • ginger, minced 1 tsp
  • water 2.25 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • mustard seeds 1 tsp
  • urad dal (split black gram) 1 tsp
  • curry leaves 8 pieces
  • cashew nuts, halved 8 pieces
  • oil (preferably neutral or coconut) 2 tbsp
  • salt 0.75 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 35 g 60%
Protein 6 g 10%
Fat 6 g 30%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and dry roast the semolina, stirring frequently, until aromatic and lightly golden (about 4–5 minutes). Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add oil to the skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add mustard seeds and let them splutter completely before adding urad dal. Stir until dal turns pale golden.

  3. 3

    Add cashew nuts and sauté until lightly golden, then add chopped onion, ginger, green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté on medium heat until onions turn translucent.

  4. 4

    Stir in carrot and peas; cook for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but remain bright. Avoid browning.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low, add roasted semolina, and mix thoroughly with the tempered aromatics. Pour in hot water slowly while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

  6. 6

    Add salt, increase the heat to medium-low, and cover. Let the upma steam for 3–4 minutes until water is absorbed and the mixture is fluffy.

  7. 7

    Turn off heat; let upma rest, covered, for 2 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient that defines the flavor of this Upma recipe?
The foundation of this Upma recipe is semolina (sooji), which provides its distinct soft texture and mild, nutty flavor. The tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad dal adds classic South Indian aroma and depth, while vegetables and cashews boost taste and texture.
Q. At which step is heat control most critical in this Upma recipe?
Careful heat control is essential when tempering mustard seeds and urad dal in step 2: too high heat risks burning, while too low prevents proper spluttering and aroma release. Consistent medium heat ensures even roasting and the right flavor profile.
Q. How can I keep Upma fluffy instead of gluey?
To achieve fluffy Upma, roast the semolina evenly (step 1), stir constantly when adding the hot water (step 5), and avoid overcooking or excessive stirring after the water is absorbed. Allowing it to rest before fluffing also helps maintain the right texture.
Q. How many calories and nutrients are in each serving of this Upma?
Each serving (180g) of this Upma provides about 230 kcal, with 35g carbohydrates (60% of calories), 6g protein (10%), and 6g fat (30%), making it a balanced option suitable for light vegetarian or calorie-conscious meal plans.
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