Simple Tomato Upma Recipe

Tomato upma, also known as tomato rava upma or tomato sooji upma, is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish. It’s a variation of the traditional upma, with the addition of tomatoes and vegetables to enhance the taste and nutrition. This recipe uses basic ingredients commonly found in Indian kitchens and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp oil
• ¾ tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp urad dal
• 1 tsp chana dal
• 1 dried red chilli
• A few curry leaves
• 2 tbsp cashew nuts
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chillies, slit
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• ½ capsicum, finely chopped
• 5 beans, chopped
• 3 tbsp peas
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp vangi bath masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup rava (coarse semolina)
• 1 tsp ghee
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped

Instructions

How to Make Tomato Upma Recipe:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and chop the vegetables as mentioned in the ingredients list.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large kadai (wok), heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
3. Add the Spices and Dal: Once the oil is hot, add ¾ teaspoon of mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of urad dal, 1 teaspoon of chana dal, 1 dried red chilli, and a few curry leaves. Let them splutter and become aromatic.
4. Add the Cashews: Add 2 tablespoons of cashew nuts and fry until they turn crunchy and golden brown.
5. Sauté the Onions and Chillies: Add ½ finely chopped onion and 2 slit green chillies. Sauté until the onions soften slightly.
6. Add the Tomatoes: Add 2 chopped tomatoes and sauté for about a minute until they start to soften.
7. Add the Vegetables: Add 1 finely chopped carrot, ½ finely chopped capsicum, 5 chopped beans, and 3 tablespoons of peas. Sauté for another minute.
8. Add the Spices: Now, add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons of vangi bath masala, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Sauté on low flame until the spices turn aromatic.
9. Boil the Water: Add 3 cups of water to the kadai and bring it to a rolling boil.
10. Add the Rava: While continuously stirring with one hand, slowly add 1 cup of rava (semolina) to the boiling water. This helps prevent lumps from forming.
11. Cook the Upma: Cover the kadai and let the upma simmer for about 2 minutes, or until the rava absorbs all the water.
12. Add Ghee and Coriander: Add 1 teaspoon of ghee and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped coriander leaves. Mix well.
13. Serve: Finally, serve the tomato upma hot with coconut chutney or any chutney of your choice.

Nutrition

• Calories: 1160 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 164 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 13 mg
• Sodium: 2080 mg
• Potassium: 1519 mg
• Fiber: 17 g
• Sugar: 17 g
• Vitamin A: 10099 IU
• Vitamin C: 237 mg
• Calcium: 204 mg
• Iron: 14 mg

Tips for Making the Perfect Tomato Upma

1. Roast the Rava: For a fluffier upma, dry roast the rava before adding it to the water. This helps in giving the upma a better texture and prevents it from becoming sticky.
2. Adjust Water Quantity: The ratio of water to rava is crucial. For a softer upma, you can add a little more water. For a slightly firmer texture, reduce the water slightly.
3. Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables add a lot of flavor and nutrition to the upma. Feel free to add or substitute with vegetables like green peas, corn, or potatoes.
4. Control the Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chillies and red chilli according to your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of red chilli powder if you like it spicier.
5. Add a Dash of Lemon Juice: Just before serving, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
6. Serve with Chutney: Tomato upma tastes best when served with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or even pickle.
7. Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, you can store the tomato upma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a microwave or on a stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

This simple tomato upma recipe is a fantastic way to start your day with a healthy and delicious meal. It’s easy to make, packed with vegetables, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy it with your favorite chutney for a wholesome breakfast or snack.