Uggani Recipe – Puffed Rice Upma
Uggani, also known as Puffed Rice Upma, is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish that is both simple and flavorful. Perfectly light yet satisfying, Uggani is a savory dish made from puffed rice, tempered with aromatic spices, roasted gram dal, peanuts, and fresh curry leaves. It is a quick and easy meal that can be served with a side of fresh fruit and filter coffee for a well-rounded breakfast. Whether you’re craving a light start to your day or looking for something quick and tasty, this Uggani recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puffed Rice | 3 cups |
| Roasted Gram Dal (Pottukadalai) | 4 tablespoons |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Green Chillies | 4, slit lengthwise |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | A handful, chopped |
| Lemon | 1, juiced |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | A handful |
| Curry Leaves | A few sprigs |
| Cooking Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
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Prepare the Puffed Rice:
- Start by lightly powdering the roasted chana dal (roasted gram dal) and set it aside for later use.
- In a large bowl, add water and pour in the puffed rice. Wash it gently and immediately drain the water.
- Using both hands, gently squeeze the puffed rice to remove excess water. This will help prevent it from becoming soggy while cooking.
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Tempering the Spices:
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds. When they begin to splutter, add the urad dal, roasted gram dal (chana dal), and raw peanuts.
- Fry these ingredients until they turn golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add curry leaves and slit green chillies, cooking them for about 40 seconds to release their flavors.
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Cooking the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onions and turmeric powder to the pan. Saute the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and salt, and cook the mixture until the tomatoes break down and become mushy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combining the Ingredients:
- Now, add the pre-prepared puffed rice into the pan, and mix everything together well.
- Stir in the powdered roasted chana dal, chopped coriander leaves, and fresh lemon juice.
- Mix thoroughly, ensuring that the puffed rice absorbs all the flavors from the spices and vegetables.
- Saute the entire mixture for 2-3 minutes to allow the puffed rice to soak in the flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Uggani piping hot, garnished with more fresh coriander leaves if desired. For an ideal breakfast, pair it with a fresh fruit bowl and a cup of traditional South Indian filter coffee.
Tips for Perfect Uggani:
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Texture of Puffed Rice: Make sure to wash the puffed rice briefly and squeeze out excess water to keep the texture light and airy. Too much water can make it soggy.
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Adjust Spice Level: The heat of the dish can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of green chillies used. You can also add a pinch of red chilli powder for extra spice if you prefer.
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Tempering Variations: Feel free to experiment with adding other tempering ingredients like cumin seeds or a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for an extra layer of flavor.
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Serving Ideas: Uggani is delicious as a standalone breakfast, but it can also be paired with coconut chutney or a tangy tomato chutney for added flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Vitamin C | 15% Daily Value |
| Iron | 12% Daily Value |
Why You’ll Love Uggani:
- Quick & Easy: Uggani takes less than 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it an ideal breakfast for busy mornings.
- Nutritious: With puffed rice as the base, this dish is light but filling. The addition of roasted gram dal, peanuts, and fresh veggies adds protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice.
- Flavorful & Aromatic: The tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad dal infuses the dish with rich South Indian flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
- Versatile: Though traditionally a South Indian breakfast, Uggani is versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of the day. It can also be made in large batches for meal prep or served as a savory snack.
Final Thoughts:
Uggani is one of those timeless South Indian dishes that never fails to please. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a light, healthy breakfast or a quick snack, this Puffed Rice Upma is a delightful choice. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit and filter coffee for the complete experience, or simply savor it on its own. The simplicity of its ingredients combined with the complexity of the spices and flavors is what makes Uggani a standout dish in the world of Indian breakfasts. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this dish, and let it brighten your day with its delightful, savory taste!
