Flavorful Masala Upma: A South Indian Breakfast Delight
50 minutes
2996 reads

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.
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total50 minutes
Ingredients
For Roasting
- 1 cup Semolina rava
For the Tempering
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 3 Cloves
- 3 Cardamom Pods
- 1/2 inch Cinnamon Stick
For the Upma
- 3 tbsp Oil
- 6-7 Curry Leaves
- 1/2 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 2 Chillies finely chopped, green
- 1 Onion finely chopped, medium
- 2 sprigs Coriander chopped
- 1 Tomato finely chopped, medium
- 1 Carrot diced, small
- 2 French Beans chopped
- 4 tbsp Peas green
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander ground
- 1 1/2 tsp Chili Powder red
- Salt to taste
- 3 cup Water
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the chopped cilantro and stir. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomato and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced carrot, french beans, and green peas. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- 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.
- Pour in 3 cups of water and add salt to taste. Adjust spice levels if needed. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Gradually add the roasted semolina to the boiling water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy upma.
- 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.
- Serve the hot and delicious Masala Upma immediately. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
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.
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
5 Comments
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I’m eager to make this recipe!
masala upma is good for promoting blood oxygenation and to prevent conditions like anemia!
Thanks for sharing masala upma recipe
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This looks so inviting! Thank you.
This looks so inviting! I’m eager to try it.
This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.