Mastering the Art of Cooking Upma- A Delightful and Nutritious Breakfast Recipe

How to Cook Upma for Breakfast

Upma, also known as upavas or uzhunnu appam, is a popular breakfast dish in South India, particularly in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Made with semolina (sooji) and a variety of spices, this flavorful and easy-to-make dish is a delightful way to kickstart your day. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to cook upma for breakfast, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

– 1 cup semolina (sooji)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon oil
– 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon urad dal
– 1/2 teaspoon chana dal
– 2 green chilies, slit
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 tomato, finely chopped
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter. Then, add the cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal, and sauté until they turn golden brown.

2. Add the green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices.

3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

4. In the meantime, mix the semolina with 1/2 cup of water in a bowl. This will prevent the semolina from sticking together while cooking.

5. Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the semolina mixture to the pan. Stir continuously to prevent the semolina from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

6. Gradually add the remaining water to the pan, stirring constantly. Cook the upma over medium heat until it thickens and becomes soft.

7. Season with salt to taste and adjust the spices if needed. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Once the upma is cooked, turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with a side of pickle, chutney, or any other of your favorite breakfast accompaniments.

Now that you know how to cook upma for breakfast, you can enjoy this delicious dish whenever you want. Remember to experiment with different spices and ingredients to create your own unique version of this classic South Indian breakfast. Happy cooking!