Spicy and Tangy Bread Upma Recipe
Bread Upma is a simple yet delicious dish that you can quickly whip up when you’re running low on ingredients. This South Indian breakfast recipe is packed with bold flavors from green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, and a hint of tanginess from a splash of lime. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying dish that works as an excellent way to repurpose leftover bread. The savory and slightly spicy flavors make it a favorite for those craving something warm and comforting.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 3, finely chopped |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tomato | 1, large, finely chopped |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 6 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 10 slices, cut into squares or roughly torn |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Instructions:
-
Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. -
Add the Spices:
Once the oil is hot, lower the flame and add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter, signaling they’re ready. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of white urad dal (split) and roast it until it turns a golden brown. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Stir in the 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste, followed by the chopped green chilies, onions, and bell pepper (capsicum). Sauté everything for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and the bell pepper to slightly cook. -
Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the finely chopped tomato to the pan and cook until the tomatoes soften and become mushy. -
Add the Spices:
Now, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of garam masala powder and 1/2 teaspoon of chaat masala powder. Stir everything together and sauté for another minute until the flavors combine and become fragrant. -
Add Water and Season:
Pour in 1/2 cup of water and continue stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and salt to taste, and finish with a dash of fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together and keep the flame on low. -
Combine with Bread:
Once the mixture comes together and the water has mostly absorbed, add the torn or cubed bread slices to the pan. Toss the bread gently, ensuring the bread pieces are well-coated with the masala mixture. Stir fry for a few minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the flavors. -
Finish with Garnish:
Turn off the heat and garnish the bread upma with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Spicy and Tangy Bread Upma hot as a quick breakfast or snack. Pair it with a refreshing Carrot Cashew Smoothie or a hot cup of Adrak Chai (Ginger Tea) for a delightful start to your day.
This dish is an excellent way to use up leftover bread and turn it into a hearty, flavorful meal. The balance of heat from the green chilies, savory spices, and tang from the lemon makes this Bread Upma a standout dish in any South Indian breakfast spread. It’s a recipe that’s not only easy but also full of complex flavors, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a comforting, vegetarian dish that can be prepared in a pinch.
