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Upma is another one of the favorite savory breakfast served in different ways in several parts of India. It is flexible to taste and refreshing on cold says as a snack too.    

We made upma, poha(savory rice flakes), chilla (chickpea flour and veggie crepes/omelettes) and some other very indian breakfasts with mom around. I will post each and then round them up in one breakfast collection post!
 
This dish can be made with cream of wheat- wheat semolina, cream of rice- rice semolina/rava, cracked wheat, vermicelli -semiyan, other quick cooking cracked grains. The cooking time and water needed for cracked grains might be a little more than regular semolina. Use glutenfree cream of rice(Rice Rava) for a glutenfree version. Add as many veggies and nuts to make this one balanced breakfast/snack!
 
 
  • In a pan, dry roast the semolina/rava on low-medium heat till the color changes to a light gold(3-4 minutes for half a cup).We usually dry roast and store the semolina in an airtight container for a few weeks. to reduce prep time. Use 3/4 cup to serve 2.
  • In another container, add double the quantity of water( 2 cups water for a cup of semolina) and heat it to bring it to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, remove the roasted semolina and Heat 2 tsp of oil in the pan at medium heat.
  • Add half a tsp mustard seeds and allow them to sputter.
  • Add the daals-a teaspoon each channa(bengal gram) and urad(split black gram, use both or just urad) and a few curry leaves and mix for half a minute. Add 2-3 Tbsps of chopped cashew pieces and cook till the daal and cashew start to change color(another half minute)

  • Add chopped onion, ginger and green chili. Sauté for a minute.

     

  • Add vegetables(finley chopped carrots, bell pepper, peas), and salt to taste and saute for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the roasted semolina and boiling water, mix well, cover and cook till all water is absorbed. 3-5 minutes.
  • Serve hot with some lemon juice and chopped cilantro for garnish. Other garnishes can be roasted peanuts, shredded coconut or sev(chickpea flour broken noodles).
  • For fusion versions, add zucchini or olives, tomatoes, corn, raisins, cranberries or any fave veggie! Use Cream of rice(Rice/Idli Rava) for a glutenfree version.
This simple breakfast is headed to Hearth and soul blog hop, Slightly indulgent tuesdays and Ricki’s Wellness Weekend!

About Richa

Hi, I'm Richa! I create flavorful plant based recipes that are inspired by my Indian upbringing, including many gluten-free, soy-free, and oil-free options.

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