Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (2024)

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Vegetable Upma recipe with easy-to-follow instructions. Rava upma is a simple Indian breakfast dish made with semolina, spices, roasted nuts and lentils. Many like to add vegetables to it to make it wholesome and that’s how I like it too. This recipe is going to be a staple in your home if you make it! By using rice rava or polenta, it also can turn gluten-free!

Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (1)

What is Upma?

Upma is a fragrant, savoury South Indian breakfast made from rava/sooji or cream of wheat aka semolina. You can also make this with rice lava or polenta to make it gluten-free. It is dry roasted rava in water that has been flavored by mustard seeds, curry leaves, chana dal (husked chickpeas), cashews, peanuts, urad dal (lentils), onion, ginger, green chilli peppers and garnished with herbs. It tastes savoury and nutty and is also nutritious!

To make it more wholesome, we can also add vegetables, the way I did. Usually, you can add carrots and peas, finely chopped potatoes, finely chopped green beans, chopped bell pepper, etc.

Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (2)

Tips and Tricks to make amazing Vegetable Upma

  • Roasting rava:Toast/roast your rava by stirring often on a low or medium-low heat in a pan. Keep a look out for a change of colour accompanied by a toasted aroma, but be careful not to burn it.
  • Oil/vegan ghee: Vegetable upma can be made with coconut oil or vegan ghee (if you have access to it). If you have neither, you can also use any cooking oil.
  • Rava to water ratio:For a softer rava upma, you can use the proportion of 1:2.5 or 3 for rava and water respectively. Which means that for 1 cup of fine rava you can add 2 cups water.
  • Addition of rava to water:Add the toasted rava to the hot water in installments. Stir in the rava to the water, then add the next batch. This ensures even mixing, texture of the upma.
  • Serving suggestions:Serve it hot or warm. I love serving mine with a generous garnish of coriander leaves and some of this Indian snack called sev. You can also serve vegetable upma with coconut chutney, Indian pickle or chutney podi.
  • Storing Vegetable Upma: Make the quantity you need by doubling, tripling or halving the ingredient quantity. Refrigerate leftover vegetable upma for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it in a freeze-safe container.
Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (3)

Let me know if you try this easy Vegetable Upma recipe and I would love to see what you paired it up with. Tag @beextravegant onInstagram.

Try other breakfast/snack items from the blog:

  • Khaman dhokla recipe
  • Paniyaram recipe- shallow fried, spiced rice and lentil balls
  • Vegan Yoghurt Toast – Spicy
  • Tofu masala sandwich
  • Baked Aloo Tikki – Crispy and Healthy

Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (4)

Vegetable Upma Recipe

Make this easy vegetable rava upma for a simple Indian breakfast. It uses semolina, spices, roasted nuts and lentils and a few veggies to make it wholesome. This recipe is going to be a staple in your home if you make it!

5 from 1 vote

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Course Breakfast

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coarse semolina/Rava/Sooji polenta could work too
  • tbsp coconut oil or vegan ghee
  • 2 tsp mustard Seeds
  • 7-9 curry leaves use a sprig of leaves if you have that
  • 1 tbsp chana daal
  • 1 tbsp peanuts
  • 1 tbsp cashews
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot finely chopped, brunoise
  • 1/3 cup green peas
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups water water to semolina ratio 2:1
  • fresh coriander/cilantro leaves to garnish

Instructions

  • Dry roast semolina, on medium heat, until golden. About 5-7 minutes and set aside.

  • Add oil/vegan ghee to the pan on medium heat. Fry mustard seeds, chana daal and peanuts until the peanuts turn golden and everything is fragrant.

  • Add cashews and curry leaves and toast for another 2 minutes.

  • Add the chopped onions and cook until it turns translucent.

  • Then add the chopped carrots and peas and salt. Then cover and cook until soft.

  • Then add water and bring to boil, and reduce the heat.

  • Slowly incorporate the roasted semolina in parts while whisking with a spatula.

  • Add water if necessary. You want all the water to be soaked by the semolina.

  • Cover for 2-5 minutes and serve hot with some fresh chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves.

Keyword Rava Upma, Upma, Vegetable Upma

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Comments

  1. Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (9)August says

    Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (10)
    this was wonderful, especially first thing in the morning! everything smelled amazing as it was cooking too

    Reply

    • Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (11)Beextravegant says

      I’m so happy to know that!! Yes, it’s super flavourful❤️

      Reply

  2. Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (12)Bjørg says

    What if you don’t have access to curry leaves?

    Reply

    • Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (13)Beextravegant says

      You can skip it! (or grow the plant at home or try ordering online)

      Reply

      • Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (14)Bjørg says

        How many curry leaves? I still haven’t found them, but just in case I do at some point.

        Reply

  3. Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (15)Apoorva Rawat says

    Hii beextravegant!!
    I literally love your vlogs on recipes and hacks
    And I spend time endlessly on watching your videos .
    Love,
    Apoorva.

    Reply

  4. Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (16)Fotini Kyroglou says

    Hi! What could I use in place of semolina?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Vegetable Upma Recipe – Healthy South Indian Breakfast - BeExtraVegant (2024)

FAQs

What is the best combination for upma? ›

Upma is usually eaten with peanut podi, idli podi, coconut chutney or even with pickle. Most people serve it to kids with a dash of sugar & ghee on top to mellow down the heat from the chilies.

Is upma a healthy breakfast? ›

It is completely fine to have upma as your regular breakfast option. It can provide you with important proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbs. You can consume up to one serving of upma every day which is around 155 grams. There are around 132 calories in upma per one serving or 155 g.

Can we eat rava upma at night for weight-loss? ›

Yes, eating upma helps you lose weight. You can also choose healthy options like ragi, quinoa, dalia, or oats upma. It has a delicious flavour, is low in calories, and gives you energy. It is suitable for all age groups.

What does upma contain? ›

It contains 45% carbohydrates, 10% protein, and 45% of fat. Oats upma is a good source of protein, vitamin D, lutein, alpha-carotene, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, thiamine, and an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, beta carotene, selenium, and vitamin E.

Is upma good for belly fat loss? ›

Upma is low in calories and can be a great option for people who are trying to lose weight. It contains a good amount of fiber that can keep you full. This will help to curb your appetite and also prevent you from eating.

What flour is upma made of? ›

Semolina

What is a healthy Indian breakfast to eat every morning? ›

7 healthy Indian breakfast ideas for a week
  • D1: Oats Idli. Steamed idlis made with oats and semolina, served with coconut chutney. ...
  • D2: Poha. ...
  • D3: Vegetable Upma. ...
  • D4: Moong Dal Chilla. ...
  • D5: Parathas. ...
  • D6: Sprouts Salad. ...
  • D7: Ragi Dosa. ...
  • Alt: Veg Sandwich.
Feb 5, 2024

Which is healthier upma or poha? ›

In terms of carbohydrates, upma is better because sooji /rawa/ Semolina is a complex carbohydrate which is low in glycemic index( the sugar is released slowly into your blood stream without spiking your blood sugar level). Whereas poha is simply flattened rice and is less complex than Semolina.

What is the most healthiest breakfast in India? ›

IDLI SAMBHAR: As the combo has the perfect combination of carbs, proteins, fats, fiber and vitamins & minerals, idli sambhar is another food item which tops the list of a healthy option. If you get too bored of morning smoothies with fruit, here is a good replacement!

What Indian food should I eat in night for weight loss? ›

Weight loss Indian snacks to pair with your evening tea
  • Makhana. One of the best snacks that are low in calories, roasted makhana tastes incredible with tea and is filled with healthy nutrients. ...
  • Besan Khandvi. ...
  • Dhokla. ...
  • Moong Dal Chaat. ...
  • Rajma Sundal. ...
  • Peanut Chaat. ...
  • Idli. ...
  • Murmura.
Sep 5, 2023

What is the best Indian food to eat at night for weight loss? ›

Dishes such as chana masala (chickpea curry), dal (lentil soup), and rajma (kidney bean curry) can be a great addition to your weight loss diet. Low-fat protein sources such as chicken breast, fish, and tofu: Protein is essential for weight loss, as it helps keep you full and satisfied.

What is the English name for upma? ›

Also called 'suji' or 'sooji' in Hindi and 'cream of wheat' or 'semolina' in English, it is simply granulated wheat. Thus this breakfast food is known as Suji ka Upma in North India. What really makes an upma recipe special are all the fried and sautéed ingredients that are used for tempering.

Which upma is healthy? ›

Tomatoes, beans, peas, you can add a lot of veggies to your bowl of upma to increase its nutritional content. This helps your body get the essential vitamins and nutrients. Wheat rava which is used in the preparation of upma has minerals like magnesium and zinc which are great for your bones.

Can diabetics eat upma? ›

You can eat on moderate basis, as it is carbohydrate and you have to check the quantity of your carbohydrate intake in a whole day, accordingly you can eat on daily or alternate day. Was this answer helpful? Yes, in fact you can eat anything which a normal person eats.

What to eat with upma for dinner? ›

What to Serve With Upma?
  1. Peanut Podi. Upma is a South Indian dish made from semolina, and it's often served for breakfast or as a snack. ...
  2. Chana Dal. Upma is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any time of day. ...
  3. Cilantro Leaves. ...
  4. Green Peas. ...
  5. Idli Podi. ...
  6. Coconut Chutney. ...
  7. Pickles. ...
  8. Sambar.
Aug 29, 2022

Is upma healthy or unhealthy? ›

Upma should be your go-to breakfast meal if you wish to lose weight quickly. A bowl of upma has fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. It is low in cholesterol and calories which makes it a healthy meal and helps you have a balanced diet. Upma is prepared using semolina and it is full of iron.

What is the best combination with dal chawal? ›

10 Easy and Delicious Side Dishes for Dal Chawal
  • Mango Pickle. ...
  • Papadum. ...
  • Spinach Pakora. ...
  • Tomato Chutney. ...
  • Boondi Raita. ...
  • Jeera Aloo. ...
  • Onion Salad. Onion Salad is a simple and refreshing side dish. ...
  • Sweet Mango Chutney. Sweet Mango Chutney is a sweet and tangy side dish made with ripe mangoes, sugar, and spices.
Nov 6, 2023

Can we drink milk with upma? ›

Combining milk with porridges or cereals such as poha, upma or chapati creates a wholesome and balanced meal. Additionally, the high protein content in milk ensures a sustained release of energy throughout the day, preventing energy fluctuations and promoting enhanced productivity.

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