Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight

50 minutes

2996 reads

4.86 from 7 votes

About Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight

Awaken your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of South India! This Masala Upma is a quick and easy dish bursting with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and herbs.
Roasted semolina creates a hearty base for this flavorful meal, perfect for a satisfying breakfast, a speedy weeknight dinner, or a leisurely weekend brunch.
Experience an authentic South Indian culinary adventure by serving this fragrant Upma hot with Coriander Chutney and sweet Kesari Baath.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep20 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total50 minutes
Calories400 kcal
Serves3
Recipe TasteSaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

For Roasting

For the Tempering

For the Upma

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Instructions
 

  • Dry roast the semolina in a kadai or large skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. The semolina is ready when the flakes separate and appear slightly rougher. This toasting process enhances the nutty flavor of the semolina.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Spread the roasted semolina on a flat plate to cool. This prevents it from continuing to cook from the residual heat.
  • Heat the oil in the same kadai over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. This adds a characteristic flavor to the dish.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This infuses the oil with the warm spices.
  • Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the chopped cilantro and stir. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped tomato and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the diced carrot, french beans, and green peas. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Stir in the turmeric powder, ground coriander, and red chili powder. Add 1/4 cup of water to prevent the spices from burning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are half-cooked.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Pour in 3 cups of water and add salt to taste. Adjust spice levels if needed. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Gradually add the roasted semolina to the boiling water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy upma.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Reduce the heat to low, give the upma a final stir, cover the kadai with a lid, and simmer for 6-10 minutes. This allows the semolina to cook completely and absorb the flavors.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Serve the hot and delicious Masala Upma immediately. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
    Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips

  • For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts.
  • Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or using a milder variety like ancho chili powder.
  • To make this a complete meal, serve the chicken and sauce over rice or quinoa and alongside your favorite roasted vegetables.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.86 from 7 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 10gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 138mgPotassium: 452mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 4391IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 4mg

Jyothi Varne
Jyothi Varne
Articles: 31
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5 Comments

4.86 from 7 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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  1. masala upma is good for promoting blood oxygenation and to prevent conditions like anemia!

    Thanks for sharing masala upma recipe

    Do you want to add something on this article: https://www.plattershare.com/article/benefits-of-non-vegetarian-vs-a-vegetarian-diet5 stars