Upma Recipe | Sooji Upma | Rava Upma

Upma, a traditional South Indian breakfast dish, is a flavorful and nutritious option made from rava (semolina). This classic upma recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. It’s known by various names such as rava upma, suji upma, and sooji upma. This easy upma recipe is packed with spices and herbs, making it both delicious and wholesome.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp oil
• ¾ tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp urad dal
• 1 tsp chana dal
• 1 dried red chili
• Few curry leaves
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 cups water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup rava (semolina), coarse
• 1 tsp ghee
• ½ lemon, juice
• 2 tbsp coriander, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Spices
   In a large kadai, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add ¾ tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp urad dal, 1 tsp chana dal, 1 dried red chili, and a few curry leaves. Let them splutter and become aromatic.
2. Saute Onions and Spices
   Add ½ finely chopped onion, 1 inch finely chopped ginger, 2 finely chopped green chilies, and ½ tsp salt. Saute until the onions soften slightly.
3. Add Water and Sugar
   Pour in 3 cups of water and add 1 tsp sugar. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
4. Add Rava
   Slowly add 1 cup of rava while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Simmer
   Cover the kadai and let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes or until the rava absorbs all the water.
6. Finish Upma
   Add 1 tsp ghee, the juice of ½ lemon, and 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander. Mix well.
7. Serve
   Finally, enjoy this North Karnataka style uppittu with coconut chutney.

Nutrition Information

• 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 Perfect Upma

1. Roast Rava Well
   Before starting the recipe, dry roast the rava until it turns light golden brown. This enhances the flavor and prevents it from becoming sticky.
2. Use Hot Water
   Always add hot water to the roasted rava. This helps in cooking it evenly and prevents lump formation.
3. Stir Continuously
   When adding rava to the boiling water, stir continuously to ensure a smooth texture.
4. Balance Spices
   Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili according to your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of turmeric for color.
5. Add Vegetables
   For a more nutritious upma, add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, beans, and capsicum. This not only adds color but also increases the nutrient content.
6. Garnish Well
   Garnish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness and flavor.
7. Serve Immediately
   Upma tastes best when served hot. Pair it with coconut chutney or pickle for an authentic South Indian experience.

Conclusion

Upma is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that can be customized with various ingredients and spices. This simple upma recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, providing a delicious and nutritious start to your day. Whether you call it rava upma, sooji upma, or suji upma, this South Indian delicacy is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Enjoy making this classic upma recipe and delight in its rich flavors and textures!