Crispy Upma Adai: A South Indian Delight with a Twist

45 minutes

1254 reads

4.41 from 5 votes

About Crispy Upma Adai: A South Indian Delight with a Twist

Embark on a South Indian culinary adventure with Crispy Upma Adai, a delightful fusion of two breakfast classics. Imagine the comforting flavors of roasted semolina upma transformed into crispy, savory pancakes, infused with aromatic spices.
This unique twist on traditional upma offers a satisfying crunch and incredible versatility. Quick and easy to prepare, it's the perfect meal any time of day.
Enjoy your Crispy Upma Adai with a dollop of coconut chutney, a bowl of tangy sambar, or a side of spicy pickle for an authentic South Indian experience.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total45 minutes
Calories559 kcal
Serves4
Recipe TasteCrunchySaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

Dry Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

Optional Ingredients

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Instructions
 

  • In a dry grinder or spice mill, combine the raw rice, peppercorns (or cumin seeds), toor dal, and dried red chili. Grind to a coarse consistency, similar to rawa or semolina. Set aside.
    Crispy Upma Adai: A South Indian Delight with a Twist - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the green chilies (or red chilies), asafoetida powder, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Crispy Upma Adai: A South Indian Delight with a Twist - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Pour in the water and bring to a rolling boil. Add salt. Boiling the water ensures even cooking of the upma.
    Crispy Upma Adai: A South Indian Delight with a Twist - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Slowly add the ground rice mixture to the boiling water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 10-13 minutes, or until the upma is cooked through and the water is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
    Crispy Upma Adai: A South Indian Delight with a Twist - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Once cooked, remove the upma from the heat and let it cool slightly. Divide the upma into lemon-sized portions and shape them into thick, round patties.
    Crispy Upma Adai: A South Indian Delight with a Twist - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Heat a tawa or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with oil. Cook the upma adai patties for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with your favorite chutney, sambar, or pickle.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For a crispier texture, spread the adai batter thinly on the pan and cook over medium heat. Drizzle a bit of extra coconut oil around the edges for a golden, crunchy finish.
  • If you prefer a nuttier flavor, add a handful of roasted chana dal or urad dal to the batter before cooking. This also boosts the protein content and adds extra crunch.
  • To make this dish vegan, double-check that your hing (asafoetida) is not compounded with dairy, as some brands use wheat or dairy as a base.
  • Leftover Upma Adai can be reheated in a hot tawa or skillet to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may turn soggy.

Expert Tips

  • Soaking the lentils and rice for Upma Adai for a longer period, even overnight, can result in a lighter and fluffier batter.
  • Experiment with different vegetables in your Upma Adai. Finely chopped carrots, peas, or beans work well and add nutritional value.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies to the batter. You can also add a pinch of red chili powder for extra heat.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover Upma Adai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.41 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 559kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 30gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 855mg

Subhashni Venkatesh
Subhashni Venkatesh

I am a native of Kanyakumari district, brought up in Tiruchirapalli, and settled in Tirunelveli. I started exploring cooking at the age of 15 and learned a variety of recipes from my two grandmothers, friends, aunts, mother, and mother-in-law.

Cooking is, of course, my passion. I work as a teacher, and my colleagues love to receive recipes and tips from me, just as I enjoy learning from them. My son and husband encourage me to experiment with and innovate new dishes."

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