South Indian Aval Upma Recipe – Quick & Healthy Poha Breakfast

Aval Upma Recipe – South Indian Style Poha

Aval Upma, a classic South Indian breakfast dish, is a wholesome and delicious recipe made with flattened rice, seasoned with mustard seeds, cumin, and a variety of aromatic spices. It’s a perfect balance of flavors—spicy, tangy, and savory—all tied together in a simple, comforting meal. This dish is easy to prepare, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.

Typically served with a hot cup of Masala Chai and a side of fresh fruit, Aval Upma is not only a popular breakfast choice but also a wonderful light snack or brunch option. Here’s how to make this delightful dish from scratch!

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: South Indian

Course: Breakfast

Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Rinse the Poha
   Begin by placing the poha (flattened rice) in a fine sieve or colander. Rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. Ensure that the poha absorbs just enough water to soften it without becoming soggy. The texture of poha should remain slightly firm but soft to the bite, not too hard or completely soft.

2. Drain and Set Aside
   After rinsing, allow the poha to drain completely and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

3. Heat the Oil
   In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the asafoetida (hing), followed by the mustard seeds. Let the mustard seeds crackle and splutter for a few seconds.

4. Add the Spices and Lentils
   Next, add the cumin seeds and split urad dal (black gram). Continue sautéing until the urad dal turns golden brown, releasing its nutty aroma.

5. Sauté the Vegetables
   Now, toss in the roughly torn curry leaves, finely chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger. Sauté everything for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions soften and turn translucent.

6. Add Turmeric and Poha
   Stir in the turmeric powder for color and fragrance. Once the onions are ready, add the drained poha to the pan. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the turmeric and spices are evenly distributed.

7. Season and Cook
   Sprinkle some water over the poha to help it soften further and ensure even cooking. Season with salt to taste. Stir well to mix everything together. Cover the pan and let the poha cook on low heat for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps the poha absorb the flavors from the spices and become warm.

8. Garnish and Serve
   Once the poha is warm, turn off the heat. Garnish with roasted peanuts, freshly chopped coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This will give the dish a nice crunch and a burst of freshness. Stir everything together to combine.

9. Serve
   Serve your Aval Upma hot with a cup of Masala Chai and a Fruit Bowl on the side for a complete South Indian breakfast experience.

Tips for Perfect Aval Upma:

• Poha Texture: Ensure that you rinse the poha just enough to make it soft but not mushy. Over-soaking can make it soggy, while under-soaking can make it hard.
• Tweak the Spice Levels: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice tolerance. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat if you prefer a milder taste.
• Roasted Peanuts: Roasting the peanuts gives them an extra crunch. You can use pre-roasted peanuts or roast them yourself in a dry pan.
• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, feel free to toss in some diced carrots, peas, or even boiled potatoes while sautéing the onions.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Enjoy Your South Indian Breakfast!

Aval Upma, with its vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, is a comforting dish that fits perfectly into your morning routine. Whether you’re preparing it for a family breakfast or just for yourself, this dish is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your day. Enjoy it with a hot cup of Masala Chai and fresh fruit for the ultimate South Indian breakfast experience!