Vegetable Rice Upma: A Hearty South Indian Breakfast Recipe

Vegetable Rice Upma Recipe

Overview

A delicious and hearty South Indian breakfast option, Vegetable Rice Upma is a variation of the traditional upma made with coarsely ground rice, mixed with an array of colorful vegetables, and seasoned with aromatic spices. It is gluten-free and offers a nourishing start to your day, making it a popular choice in South Indian cuisine. This dish is not only filling but also provides a balanced meal full of nutrients, thanks to the combination of rice and fresh vegetables. It is often served alongside coconut chutney and a warm cup of traditional South Indian coffee, making it a wholesome breakfast experience.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Soak and Prepare Rice:
   Begin by soaking the raw rice in a bowl of water for about 2 hours. Once soaked, drain the water and spread the rice on a clean kitchen towel. Let it dry for a few minutes until the moisture is absorbed. Once the rice is dry, transfer it to a mixer or grinder and grind it coarsely to the consistency of regular rava (semolina). Be careful not to grind it too finely into a powder.

2. Cook the Vegetables:
   In a pressure cooker, add the finely chopped vegetables—carrot, beans, and peas—along with a pinch of salt and about two tablespoons of water. Pressure cook the vegetables for one whistle. Once done, turn off the flame and immediately release the pressure. Remove the cooked vegetables and set them aside.

3. Tempering the Spices:
   Heat sunflower oil in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and wait until they crackle. Then, add the white urad dal and chana dal, and sauté them for about a minute or until they turn golden brown and fragrant.

4. Saute Aromatics:
   Add the chopped onions, green chillies, grated ginger, and curry leaves to the kadai. Sauté them until the onions become translucent and soft. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

5. Add Tomatoes:
   Now, add the chopped tomatoes and cook them until they become soft and mushy, which will take about 2 minutes.

6. Combine Veggies and Rice:
   Stir in the cooked vegetables, and mix everything well. Allow this mixture to cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Add Hot Water:
   Pour in 2 1/2 cups of hot water to the vegetable mixture. Stir well and bring the water to a rolling boil.

8. Cook the Rice:
   Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the freshly ground rice rava to the pot. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Cover the kadai with a lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes on low heat.

9. Finish with Ghee and Garnish:
   Once the rice has absorbed the water and the upma is cooked, add a dash of ghee for extra richness. Stir well and turn off the flame. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish.

10. Serve:
    Your Vegetable Rice Upma is now ready to serve! This dish pairs wonderfully with South Indian coconut chutney and a hot cup of Kumbakonam filter coffee, making for a traditional and satisfying South Indian breakfast experience.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Vegetable Rice Upma is a wholesome dish that brings together the richness of South Indian spices with the goodness of vegetables and rice. It is not only a nutritious option for breakfast but also a light, flavorful meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Make sure to pair it with some coconut chutney and filter coffee to truly capture the essence of a traditional South Indian meal. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic dish!