Indian 20 min Easy

Upma

Savoury semolina porridge with vegetables and a mustard tempering.

Origin & Story

Upma is a beloved South Indian breakfast made from roasted semolina (rava), quick to cook and endlessly adaptable with whatever vegetables are on hand.

Main Spices & Their Role

Mustard seeds

The foundation of the tempering.

Curry leaves

Add aroma and a subtle bitterness.

Green chilli

Provides fresh heat.

Ingredients

1 cup semolina (rava)
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp mustard seeds
8 curry leaves
1 green chilli
Handful peas/carrot
2 tbsp oil
3 cups water
Salt

Method

01
Dry-roast the semolina until lightly golden; set aside.
02
Heat oil and pop mustard seeds, curry leaves and chilli.
03
Saute onion and vegetables until soft.
04
Add water and salt, bring to a boil.
05
Slowly stir in the semolina and cook until thick and fluffy.

Veg & Vegan Alternatives

Vegetarian

This dish is already vegetarian.

Vegan

Already vegetarian and vegan — cook in oil (not ghee/butter) to keep it fully plant-based.