Best Easy Semiya Upma Recipe

Start your day with Semiya Upma, a traditional Indian breakfast that's light, nutritious, and satisfying. This healthy vegetarian dish is family-friendly and works well for calorie deficit and clean eating goals.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 270 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • thin vermicelli (semiya), dry, broken 2 cups
  • yellow onion, finely chopped 1 medium
  • carrot, peeled and diced 1 small
  • green peas, fresh or frozen 0.5 cup
  • raw cashews, halved 2 tbsp
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
  • water 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • mustard seeds 1 tsp
  • cumin seeds 0.5 tsp
  • fresh ginger, grated 1 tsp
  • green chili, finely chopped 1 piece
  • curry leaves 8 leaves
  • salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 42 g 62%
Protein 7 g 10%
Fat 7 g 28%
Serving size 200g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cashews and toast, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, then stir in cumin seeds, green chili, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.

  3. 3

    Add chopped onion and cook over medium heat until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in carrots and green peas, cooking for another 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Pour in the dry semiya (vermicelli). Stir and roast on medium-low for 2–3 minutes, ensuring all strands are lightly golden for a toasty flavor.

  5. 5

    Add 3 cups water and salt. Mix, increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring once, until semiya is cooked and water is mostly absorbed.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat and let the upma sit covered for 3 minutes for the texture to set. Fluff gently with a fork and top with toasted cashews before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the core ingredients that give Semiya Upma its unique taste?
The essential ingredients for authentic Semiya Upma are the dry vermicelli noodles (semiya), aromatic tempering with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and a medley of vegetables like onion, carrots, and green peas. Cashews provide a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor, while ginger and green chili add subtle heat and depth.
Q. How should I control heat during cooking to ensure perfect results?
Start by toasting cashews on medium heat to avoid burning, then lower the heat slightly during tempering to release the spices’ aroma without scorching. When roasting semiya, maintain medium-low heat so the noodles become golden without browning too quickly. Simmer covered on low after adding water to achieve even cooking and a soft, fluffy texture.
Q. How do I prevent Semiya Upma from turning mushy or sticky?
To keep Semiya Upma’s texture light and fluffy, always roast the dry semiya before adding water. Do not overcook after the water is absorbed; let the upma rest covered for a few minutes, then gently fluff with a fork. This prevents clumping and ensures separate, tender noodles.
Q. What is the nutritional profile and calorie breakdown per serving?
Each 200g serving of Semiya Upma contains approximately 270 kcal, with about 42g carbohydrates (62% of calories), 7g protein (10%), and 7g fat (28%). This balanced macronutrient profile makes it a light and satisfying choice for breakfast or a calorie-efficient meal.
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