Semiya Upma
A delightful and quick South Indian breakfast made from vermicelli noodles and tempered spices. This savory dish, packed with colorful vegetables, comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast the Vermicelli: If using un-roasted vermicelli, heat a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over low-medium heat. Add the vermicelli and dry roast, stirring continuously for 4-5 minutes until it turns a light golden brown and becomes aromatic. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Skip this step if using pre-roasted vermicelli.
- 2
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka): In the same pan, heat ghee over medium heat
- a.Once hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Immediately add urad dal, chana dal, and optional cashews. Sauté for about 1 minute until the dals turn golden. Add hing and curry leaves, and sauté for another 20 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, slit green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the chopped carrot, green peas, green beans, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still have a slight crunch.
- 4
Boil Water: Pour 3.5 cups of hot water into the pan and add the optional sugar
- a.Stir well and bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 5
Cook the Upma: Reduce the heat to low
- a.Slowly add the roasted vermicelli to the boiling water while stirring continuously with your other hand to prevent lumps. Mix until well combined.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Simmer and Rest: Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the vermicelli is cooked through. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for another 5 minutes. This step is crucial for a fluffy, non-sticky texture.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Garnish and Serve: Open the lid and gently fluff the upma with a fork to separate the strands. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot on its own or with coconut chutney or pickle.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to non-sticky upma is the vermicelli-to-water ratio. A 1:1.75 ratio (1 cup vermicelli to 1.75 cups water) works best for most brands. Adjust slightly if needed.
- 2Always use hot water for cooking the upma. This helps the vermicelli cook faster and more evenly, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- 3Roasting the vermicelli properly until golden is essential for a fluffy texture and nutty flavor. Do not rush this step.
- 4Letting the upma rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the steam to finish the cooking process, resulting in perfectly cooked, separate strands.
- 5For a richer taste, do not skip the ghee for the tempering, as it adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- 6Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain their texture and nutritional value. They should be tender-crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute ghee with a neutral-flavored oil like sunflower or canola oil to make the dish completely plant-based.
Vegetable RichVegetable-Rich
Add other vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers (capsicum), sweet corn, or small cubes of potato along with the carrots and beans.
Protein PackedProtein-Packed
Add a handful of roasted peanuts along with the cashews in the tempering, or stir in some crumbled paneer at the end for an extra protein boost.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder along with the turmeric powder for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Energy
The vermicelli, made from wheat, provides complex carbohydrates that offer a sustained release of energy, making it an excellent breakfast to start your day.
Packed with Vegetables
This recipe includes carrots, peas, and beans, which contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting overall health and well-being.
Aids in Digestion
The dietary fiber from the vegetables and whole wheat vermicelli helps promote healthy digestion and can aid in maintaining regular bowel movements.
Flavorful and Light
A satisfying and wholesome meal that isn't heavy on the stomach, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, a light lunch, or an evening snack.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Semiya Upma (approximately 1.5 cups or 225g) contains around 280-320 calories, depending on the amount of ghee/oil and cashews used. It's a relatively light and healthy meal.