Bread Egg Upma
A quick and savory breakfast scramble made with leftover bread, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a mix of Indian spices. This hearty dish comes together in under 25 minutes and is perfect for a busy morning.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Bread and Eggs
- b.Cut the bread slices into small, 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- c.In a medium bowl, crack the eggs, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and whisk until light and frothy. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Temper the Spices (Tadka)
- b.Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, which should take about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the urad dal and sauté for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden brown.
- e.Carefully add the curry leaves and sauté for another 10-15 seconds until they become crisp and aromatic.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Add the finely chopped onion and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- c.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until its raw aroma disappears.
- d.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down and become soft and pulpy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Spices and Scramble Eggs
- b.Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and cook the spice mixture for 1 minute.
- c.Push the onion-tomato masala to one side of the pan to create space.
- d.Pour the whisked eggs into the empty side. Let them set for about 30-45 seconds, then gently scramble them until they are about 80% cooked (still slightly soft).
- e.Now, gently mix the scrambled eggs with the masala on the other side of the pan.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Add the bread cubes to the pan.
- c.Gently toss everything together, ensuring the bread is evenly coated with the egg and masala mixture without mashing the bread.
- d.Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, allowing the bread to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- e.Turn off the heat. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the upma and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Give it one final, gentle mix.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Bread Egg Upma immediately while it is hot and fresh.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using day-old or slightly stale bread is key, as it holds its shape better and prevents the upma from becoming mushy.
- 2For a crunchier texture, you can lightly toast the bread cubes in a separate pan with a little ghee or oil before adding them to the masala.
- 3Do not overcook the eggs before mixing them with the masala; they will continue to cook with the residual heat and when mixed with the bread.
- 4For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of ghee at the very end before garnishing.
- 5Feel free to add other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers (capsicum), carrots, or green peas along with the onions for extra nutrition and color.
- 6A garnish of crispy sev or bhujia just before serving adds a delightful crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili powder, or add a pinch of black pepper powder along with the garam masala.
Vegetable LoadedVegetable-Loaded
Add 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables like steamed green peas, finely chopped carrots, and bell peppers along with the onions.
Cheesy Bread UpmaCheesy Bread Upma
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the upma at the end and cover the pan for a minute to let it melt.
Pav Bhurji UpmaPav Bhurji Upma
Substitute bread slices with leftover pav (Indian dinner rolls) and add a teaspoon of pav bhaji masala for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs provide high-quality complete protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Quick Energy Boost
The carbohydrates from the bread offer a readily available source of energy, making this an ideal breakfast to fuel your morning activities.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This dish includes ingredients like onions, tomatoes, coriander, and turmeric, which contribute essential vitamins (like Vitamin C and K), minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Bread Egg Upma (about 1.5 cups) contains approximately 270-320 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the type of bread and amount of oil used.