Tomato Upma – A Flavorful South Indian Breakfast Delight
If you’re craving a savory and flavorful breakfast that’s both quick and delicious, Tomato Upma is the perfect choice to kickstart your day. A twist on the classic upma, this recipe infuses the upma with the tangy goodness of tomatoes, making it an irresistibly tasty option for those busy mornings when you still want something homemade. Tomato Upma is an iconic dish from South India, offering a warm and hearty start to the day. It’s vegetarian, nutritious, and easy to make, requiring minimal time to prepare, yet delivering full flavor. Serve it with coconut chutney and a hot cup of filter coffee, and you’re set for a delightful breakfast experience.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Semolina | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes, finely chopped | 2 medium-sized |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Green Chilli, finely chopped | 1-2 green chillies |
| Ghee or Oil | As required |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Red Chilli, broken | 1 dried red chilli |
| Curry Leaves | 6 leaves |
| Asafoetida | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Hot Water | As required |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 lemon, juiced |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped | 2 sprigs |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 2-3 people
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content:
| Nutrient | Value (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Instructions
-
Roasting Semolina:
- Begin by taking the semolina (sooji) in a dry pan. Over medium heat, gently roast the semolina until it turns light golden in color and releases a mild aroma. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
-
Tempering the Spices:
- In the same pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee or oil. Add the mustard seeds, allowing them to splutter. Follow this by adding the broken dried red chillies, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Let these cook for about 30 seconds, releasing their flavors into the oil.
-
Cooking the Onion and Chilli:
- Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies to the tempering mixture. Sauté the onions until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Adding Tomatoes and Spices:
- Now, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes turn soft and release their juices.
- Sprinkle in the red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for a further 3 minutes, allowing the spices to blend beautifully with the tomatoes.
-
Preparing the Upma:
- Once the tomato mixture is well-cooked and aromatic, add the roasted semolina to the pan. Pour in the hot water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The ratio of water to semolina should be about 2:1, but you can adjust it to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5-8 minutes, until the semolina is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Once the upma has thickened and is cooked through, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, and mix in the chopped coriander leaves. This adds a refreshing zest and fragrance to the upma.
-
Serving:
- Garnish with extra coriander leaves and serve hot, ideally with a side of coconut chutney for that perfect South Indian breakfast combo. A hot cup of filter coffee would complement the flavors beautifully.
Tips & Variations:
- Make it Spicier: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the quantity of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper while sautéing the onions.
- Vegetable Additions: You can enhance the nutritional value of this dish by adding chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans while cooking the onions.
- Vegan Version: If you prefer to make this recipe vegan, simply use oil instead of ghee.
- Texture Adjustments: For a softer texture, you can add a bit more water during the cooking process, while a firmer upma will require less water.
Why You’ll Love Tomato Upma
This Tomato Upma recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. The tangy tomatoes complement the earthy semolina, while the spices create a fragrant base that will leave your taste buds satisfied. Whether you’re new to South Indian breakfasts or already a fan, this upma is sure to become a staple in your morning routine.
Try it today and enjoy a warm, comforting, and healthy start to your day.
