Chuda Upma
A classic Odia breakfast made with flattened rice, sautéed with onions, potatoes, and a fragrant tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves. It's a quick, wholesome, and delicious meal ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Poha (Chuda)
- b.Place the thick poha in a large colander. Rinse it under cold running water for 30-40 seconds, gently tossing with your fingers to ensure all flakes are moistened.
- c.Drain all the water completely. It's crucial not to soak the poha. Let it rest in the colander.
- d.Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt and the sugar over the damp poha. Mix very gently with your fingertips and set aside for 10 minutes. The poha will absorb the moisture and soften.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the raw peanuts and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep aside.
- c.In the same oil, add mustard seeds. Once they begin to crackle, add cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Sauté for about a minute until the dals turn a light golden brown.
- d.Add the asafoetida, curry leaves, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- e.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- f.Add the diced potatoes and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt. Mix well, cover the pan, and cook on low-medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
- g.Add the green peas and cook for another 2 minutes until they are done.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Steam the Upma
- b.Add the turmeric powder to the pan and stir for 30 seconds to cook out the raw smell.
- c.Add the softened poha to the pan. Gently fold and mix everything together until the poha is evenly coated with the spices and turns a uniform yellow color. Avoid mashing the flakes.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the upma steam for 2-3 minutes. This step is key to making the poha soft, fluffy, and flavorful.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Uncover the pan and drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the upma.
- c.Add the chopped coriander leaves, grated coconut, and the fried peanuts you set aside earlier.
- d.Give it a final gentle mix to combine. Serve the Chuda Upma immediately while it's hot and fresh.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use thick poha (jada poha/chuda). Thin poha will disintegrate and become mushy.
- 2The key to fluffy upma is rinsing, not soaking. A quick wash is sufficient to soften the flakes.
- 3Don't skip the sugar; it's a traditional addition that beautifully balances the savory and tangy notes.
- 4Fluff the final upma with a fork rather than a spoon to keep the poha flakes separate and intact.
- 5For extra crunch, you can top the upma with fine sev or a crunchy mixture (chiwda) before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Addition
Add other finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or French beans along with the potatoes for added nutrition and color.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder along with the turmeric for more heat.
Nutty TwistNutty Twist
In addition to peanuts, you can add fried cashews for a richer flavor and texture.
With SproutsWith Sprouts
Add a handful of moong sprouts along with the peas for a protein boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Energy
Poha is rich in healthy carbohydrates, providing a steady release of energy to keep you active throughout the morning without causing a sudden spike in blood sugar.
Rich in Iron
Flattened rice is a good source of iron. Adding lemon juice helps in the absorption of this iron, making it beneficial for preventing anemia.
Gut-Friendly Probiotic
Poha is made by parboiling paddy and then drying it. This process involves a slight fermentation, which retains beneficial gut bacteria, making it easy to digest.
Packed with Nutrients
The addition of vegetables like onions, potatoes, and peas, along with peanuts and coriander, makes this dish a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Chuda Upma is considered a healthy breakfast. Poha is light on the stomach, gluten-free, and a good source of carbohydrates and iron. The addition of vegetables and peanuts enhances its nutritional value with fiber, vitamins, and protein.