Tomato Upma Recipe – A Flavorful South Indian Delight
Tomato Upma is a classic South Indian breakfast dish that combines the hearty goodness of semolina (sooji) with the tanginess of tomatoes and aromatic spices. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick morning meal or even a light evening snack. The rich combination of spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, and red chili powder enhances the natural flavors of tomatoes, while the curry leaves and coriander add an authentic South Indian touch. If you’re craving a comforting and filling meal, this Tomato Upma is an excellent choice!
Ingredients for Tomato Upma:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sooji (Semolina / Rava) | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chilli (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli (cut into halves) | 1 |
| Curry leaves | 6 to 7 leaves |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Hot water | As required |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 lemon |
| Fresh Coriander leaves (finely chopped) | 2 sprigs |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Tomato Upma:
-
Roasting the Sooji (Semolina):
Begin by roasting the sooji in a cast-iron pan on medium flame. Stir it occasionally and roast until the semolina slightly changes its color and emits a fragrant aroma. Once roasted, set it aside for later use. -
-
Tempering the Spices:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat some oil or ghee. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Next, toss in the dry red chili, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Allow these ingredients to sizzle and infuse their flavors into the oil. -
Cooking the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onions and green chili to the pan. Sauté them until the onions become soft and translucent. Once the onions are cooked, add the chopped tomatoes. Cook the tomatoes until they soften and become mushy. -
Adding the Spices:
Sprinkle in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the spices to meld together with the tomato mixture. You’ll start to smell the beautiful aroma of the spices cooking together. -
Combining the Sooji and Water:
Once the tomatoes are well-cooked, add the roasted sooji into the pan. Stir continuously to avoid forming any lumps. Gradually pour in the required amount of hot water, stirring constantly until everything is well combined. The water should be enough to cook the sooji to a soft and fluffy consistency. -
Cooking the Upma:
Allow the upma to cook for 5 to 8 minutes on a medium flame. Keep stirring it occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Once the sooji has absorbed all the water and cooked through, check for seasoning and adjust salt if needed. -
Finishing Touches:
Once the upma is cooked, switch off the flame. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to add a tangy flavor, and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your flavorful Tomato Upma alongside South Indian Coconut Chutney and a steaming cup of Masala Chai for a satisfying and wholesome breakfast. This combination will transport you to the streets of South India, where breakfast is always a delightful experience.
Tips for Perfect Tomato Upma:
- Roasting Sooji: Make sure to roast the sooji well. This step ensures the upma turns out light and fluffy, without any raw taste.
- Adjust the Spice Level: You can modify the spice level by adjusting the number of green chilies and red chili powder according to your preference.
- Consistency: If you prefer a softer upma, you can add more water. However, if you like it dry, reduce the amount of water slightly.
- Oil/Ghee: For a richer flavor, ghee can be used instead of oil. It gives the upma a delicious aroma and taste.
Tomato Upma is a wonderfully versatile dish, easily adaptable to your personal taste. Whether you’re a fan of spicier food or prefer something milder, you can adjust the ingredients to make it just the way you like. Enjoy this comforting South Indian breakfast dish with your loved ones!
