Healthy & Flavorful Barley Upma with Roasted Peanuts & Veggies
2 hours 20 minutes
1139 reads

About Healthy & Flavorful Barley Upma with Roasted Peanuts & Veggies
Craving a healthy and flavorful breakfast that's ready in a flash? This Healthy Barley Upma is a delightful twist on a South Indian classic, offering a symphony of textures and tastes that will awaken your senses.Made with wholesome OoMugi barley, crunchy roasted peanuts, and vibrant vegetables like capsicum and carrots, this Upma is a nutritional powerhouse. It's quick, easy, and incredibly versatile—perfect for a warm breakfast or repurposed into savory wada, idli, or even a comforting soup.Imagine nutty barley mingling with fresh veggies and aromatic spices. This Upma is a truly satisfying and energizing meal that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling fantastic.
Recipe Time & More
Prep2 hours
Cook20 minutes
Total2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
Barley
- 1 cup Barley oomugi barley
Vegetables
- 1/4 cup Bell Peppers chopped
- 1/4 cup Carrot chopped and grated
Spices & Flavorings
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tbsp Gram black, or white split, split black gram
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice or to taste
- 2 Curry Leaves for garnish and tempering
Other
- 1/4 cup Peanuts roasted
- 2 tsp Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Soak the barley grains in 2 cups of water for 2 hours. This helps soften the barley and reduce cooking time.
- Pressure cook the soaked barley with 2 cups of water and salt for 10 minutes on low heat. This ensures the barley is perfectly cooked and tender.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. This releases their aromatic flavor.
- Add the curry leaves and urad dal to the pan. Sauté until the dal turns golden brown. This adds a nutty aroma and a pleasant crunch.
- Add the chopped capsicum and carrots to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes, or until the carrots are slightly tender.
- Add the cooked barley to the pan and mix well. This combines all the flavors and textures beautifully.
- Cover the pan and cook for 3 minutes, or until any remaining water evaporates. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice. This adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the other flavors.
- Garnish with fresh curry leaves and roasted peanuts before serving. This adds a final touch of flavor, aroma, and visual appeal.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For extra tang and a burst of color, stir in a handful of halved cherry tomatoes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- If you prefer a softer, porridge-like consistency, add a splash of hot water towards the end of cooking and cover the pan for 2-3 minutes to allow the barley to absorb more moisture.
- To make this dish vegan and add a protein boost, toss in some pan-seared tofu cubes or cooked chickpeas right after the barley is cooked.
- Leftover upma can be shaped into small patties and pan-fried with a touch of oil to create crunchy barley cutlets for a quick snack or lunchbox addition.
Expert Tips
- Toasting the barley grains in a dry pan before cooking enhances their nutty flavor and aroma.
- Adjust the amount of liquid based on your desired consistency. For a creamier upma, add more water or broth.
- Experiment with different vegetables like grated carrots, finely chopped beans, or peas to add more flavor and nutrients.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover upma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan with a little water or in the microwave.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 10gFat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 9.6gSodium: 855mgFiber: 7gSugar: 2g
5 Comments
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Such a beautiful dish! Can’t wait to try it.
Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the recipe.
This looks so tasty! Thank you.
Such a flavorful dish! Can’t wait to taste it.
Absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it.