Bread Upma
A quick stir-fry of cubed bread with onion, tomato, mustard tempering, and peas — Maharashtrian way to use leftover bread.
For 2 servings
3 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves until they splutter.
- b.Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent.
- c.Stir in the ginger and green chili, cooking for 20 seconds.
- d.Add the tomato and turmeric powder, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened.
TIPEnsure the mustard seeds crackle fully before adding onions to release their essential oils. - 2
Step 2
- a.Add the green peas to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
- b.Toss in the whole-wheat bread cubes.
- c.Stir gently for 3 minutes until the bread is warm and evenly coated with the spice base.
TIPUse slightly stale or toasted bread to prevent the cubes from becoming mushy during stirring. - 3
Step 3
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture; fresh bread can become mushy.
- 2Do not add too much water. A light sprinkle is just to create steam and soften the bread, not to make it wet.
- 3For extra crunch and protein, add a tablespoon of roasted peanuts or cashews along with the tempering.
- 4To make it a more complete meal, you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers along with the onions.
- 5Serve immediately, as bread upma tends to dry out and lose its soft texture if left to sit for too long.
- 6Ensure the dals are fried to a golden brown color in the tempering step; this adds a crucial nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Bread Upma
Add 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables like finely chopped carrots, green peas, and bell peppers along with the onions for added nutrition and texture.
Egg Bread UpmaEgg Bread Upma
After the upma is cooked, make a well in the center, crack in two eggs, and scramble them. Gently mix the scrambled eggs with the upma before serving.
Cheesy Bread UpmaCheesy Bread Upma
For a kid-friendly version, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the hot upma just before serving and cover for a minute to let it melt.
Spicy Masala Bread UpmaSpicy Masala Bread Upma
Add 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala or pav bhaji masala along with the turmeric powder for a more robust and spicy flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Quick Energy Source
Primarily made from bread, this dish is rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick and substantial source of energy to start your day or as a pick-me-up snack.
Flavorful Way to Reduce Food Waste
This recipe is an excellent way to repurpose day-old or leftover bread, transforming it into a delicious meal and minimizing food waste in the kitchen.
Source of Antioxidants
The use of onions, tomatoes, ginger, and turmeric provides various antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Bread Upma (approximately 1.5 cups) contains around 230-260 calories, depending on the type of bread and amount of oil used. This makes it a moderately light breakfast or snack option.