Semiya Upma Recipe – A Delightful South Indian Breakfast
Semiya Upma is a beloved breakfast dish in South Indian cuisine, known for its light yet flavorful profile. This savory semolina dish, enriched with vegetables and aromatic spices, makes for an ideal morning meal, offering a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with coconut chutney and a hot cup of filter coffee, Semiya Upma is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your day. Let’s walk through this simple yet delicious recipe.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Semiya (baked) | 2 cups |
| Mustard seeds (Rye) | 1 tsp |
| Split white urad dal | 1 tsp |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 tsp |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig (finely chopped) |
| Cinnamon powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Cardamom powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger (fresh) | 1-inch piece, grated |
| Carrot | 1, chopped |
| Green beans | 6, finely chopped |
| Additional carrots | 2 small, finely chopped |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Red chili powder | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coriander (cilantro) | 1 sprig (finely chopped) |
| Ghee or clarified butter | 1 tbsp (optional, for finishing) |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Cuisine: South Indian
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
To make the Semiya Upma, follow these easy steps:
-
Heat Oil in a Pan:
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or wok. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking. -
Temper the Spices:
Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds to the oil. Let them splutter for about 10 seconds. Then, add 1 teaspoon of split urad dal and cook for another 20 seconds, allowing the dal to turn slightly golden. -
Add Aromatics:
Now, add the finely chopped onion, grated ginger, and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté everything together until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweetness and fragrance. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Once the onions are softened, toss in the chopped vegetables – carrots, green beans, and any additional carrots. Stir the mixture and let the vegetables cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften slightly. Be careful not to overcook them; the vegetables should retain a little crunch for texture. -
Add Spices and Semiya:
Add the cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, turmeric powder, and salt to the vegetable mix. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices. Now, add the semiya (baked vermicelli) into the pan. Stir continuously to ensure that the semiya is well mixed with the spices and vegetables. -
Cook the Semiya:
Pour in 1 cup of water and mix everything together thoroughly. Once the water is added, cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 10 minutes on a low flame. This allows the semiya to absorb the water and cook through. -
Check and Adjust Consistency:
After 10 minutes, open the lid and check the consistency of the semiya. If it seems undercooked or too dry, add a little more water and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Stir the mixture well, ensuring the semiya is soft and cooked through. -
Final Touches:
Once the semiya is cooked, turn off the heat. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice, a teaspoon of sugar, and finely chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, zesty finish. Mix well. If desired, drizzle some ghee (clarified butter) over the upma for added richness and flavor. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Semiya Upma hot and enjoy it as a comforting breakfast. It pairs wonderfully with fresh coconut chutney and a steaming cup of South Indian filter coffee.
Tips for the Perfect Semiya Upma
- Quality Semiya: For the best results, use roasted or baked semiya (vermicelli) as it cooks faster and gives a light texture to the upma.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red chili powder to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, reduce the amount or leave it out altogether.
- Vegetable Variations: You can customize the vegetables used in this upma. Apart from carrots and beans, peas, bell peppers, or even potatoes work wonderfully.
- Serving Suggestions: Although traditionally served with coconut chutney and coffee, you can also enjoy it with a simple yogurt dip or a glass of buttermilk.
Why You’ll Love This Semiya Upma
- Quick & Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy mornings or when you need to whip up something delicious in no time.
- Light & Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and spices, Semiya Upma offers a healthy start to your day, providing vitamins, fiber, and protein.
- Flavorful: The combination of mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and fresh spices gives this dish a fragrant, savory flavor that is both satisfying and energizing.
Semiya Upma is not just a breakfast dish; it is a part of South Indian heritage that has traveled across regions, becoming a staple in many households. Whether served with chutney or enjoyed on its own, this upma is sure to become your favorite go-to breakfast! Try this easy recipe today and enjoy the wholesome goodness of Semiya Upma!
