The food map of India is so diverse and vast that every region boasts of their very own specialty dishes. One such healthy breakfast item from the Southern part of India is Upma. Upma is a staple South Indian breakfast made out of roasted Sooji (Semolina) and some vegetables. A dish so simple and quick to cook, and at the same time equally nutritious and easy on your gut. It is also known as Uppumavu or Uppittu in states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, etc. In Tamil, “uppu” means salt and “mavu” means ground grain. Upma’s versatility enhances its likeness and leaves no room to question its fame. A mere twenty-minute cooking time is all you need to prepare several types of upma. Scholars believe that the sage grammarian Panini invented this simple, beloved dish that people enjoy for dinner or breakfast. It is a go-to choice for people with stomach issues, it’s rich fiber content gives a full feeling for a longer time. Other vitamins, minerals, iron, phosphorus, zinc etc make it a star in people’s diet charts. You can make it with grains such as ragi, broken barley (daliya), and even jowar. Add-ons like peanuts, cashews, curry leaves, and lentils make this dish even more appealing.
Don’t get confused with all the different names used to address this dish all across India. We’ll make it easy for you and try to:
Discover the varieties of Upma
1. Rice Upma (Arisi Upma)
Out of all the different types of upma that are available on a menu card, Arisi or Rice Upma is one that is extensively ordered as well as most commonly cooked at home. A straightforward gig that uses rice and toor dal as a base. You just need to quickly grind it for a coarse mixture with added ingredients like cumin seeds and pepper. Once you add a tempering of hing, curry leaves, and mustard seeds to some boiling water, followed by the ground mix, it’s almost a done deal. It is best enjoyed with sambar or chutney of your choice.
2. Millet Upma
Millet Upma is a supercharged variety with the use of millets instead of sooji or rice. This type of upma also gets ready in a few minutes. Your choice of millet, like Barnyard millet or any other preferred choice, is first washed thoroughly. Chopped veggies, like onions, carrots, beans, peas (you can add veggies as per your taste) etc. are sautéed in a wok or a pan after we’ve tempered lentils like urad and chana along with cumin and green chillies. Add Millet to this mix with a measured proportion of water and salt. After boiling and cooking in steam for a few minutes, this savory delish breakfast is ready to liven up your taste buds.
3. Oats Upma
This is a quick fix recipe. One might call it a weight watcher’s delight, as the presence of oats keeps you full longer, giving away the nutritional value of fiber and the goodness of vegetables and spices. All types of upma use a similar kind of tempering with mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves. A few more additions like hing, lentils, and green or red chillies, simply come and go according to the recipe’s character. Some people combine rolled oats or steel-cut oats with finely chopped carrots, onions, beans, and ginger to achieve a distinct flavor and fragrance. This dish is a no-brainer for any time meal.
4. Vermicelli Upma
Seviya is the Hindi translation for Vermicelli. It is used in many other sweet dishes like Seviya Paysam, Seviya Kheer or the rich and famous Sheer Khurma. However, we’re here to explore a version with no sugar, but it’s loaded with herbs, spices, and vegetables (if one prefers). At large, Upma is a wholesome healthy meal enjoyed with hot chai or coffee, and even a large glass of cold coffee on a hot summer day. There are wheat vermicelli, ragi, and many other types available in the market. A usual upma recipe with an added attention to detail to the water measurement is a sure shot road to a perfect crunchy, nutty, and fluffy tasting dish.
5. Semolina Upma
Most Indians are well aware of Semolina or Sooji Upma. Some simple and humble pantry ingredients found in every household complete this hearty meal. With a porridge-like consistency or one with less water to make it fluffy, both are acceptable according to the maker’s requirement. Prepare dry roasted sooji in advance to speed up the cooking time for this recipe. Over-roasting is also not recommended to maintain the real, unburnt flavor of this dish. Roasted peanuts and cashews adorn this mixture and give some crunch to this otherwise soft-textured dish. It’s garnished with coriander leaves, pomegranate seeds, and some grated coconut.
Order Online Now To Taste These Authentic Upma!
1. Download and install the Swiggy App. Get it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Install the app and go ahead and open it.
2. Login or Sign Up: If you’re a new user, you’ll need to sign up for a Swiggy account. You can sign up using your email and phone number. You can use social media accounts like Facebook or Google. An existing user can log in with their credentials.
3. Enter Your Location. You can enter your address or allow the app to use your device’s GPS to find your current location.
4. Browse Restaurants. After you enter your location, you can browse from several available options. You can try to use filters to narrow your search by checking the best restaurants near me. You can check out Upma restaurants near me and select from various types of Upma varieties. Now tap on them to place an order.
5. Proceed to Checkout. Once you’re done and satisfied with your selected order, tap “Proceed to Checkout” to go to the payment screen.
Choose Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method. Swiggy accepts many payment options. These include credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and cash on delivery, where available. Review everything and click on the “Place Order” button to confirm your order. Your food gets delivered to your doorstep, so you can relax and enjoy your meal in the comfort of your home, by yourself or with friends and family.
Conclusion
There is no lack of options when so many different types of upma line up to spoil you with choices. This dish hails from the South of India, but it’s valued and loved throughout the country and in any part of the world where an Indian resides. Its ease also lies in its ready-to-eat quality. People in Southern states enjoy it with coconut podi, idli podi, peanut podi, or sambhar along with a dollop of ghee to dilute the spice. The flavor gradient couldn’t be more vast and delicious. It’s a plain sailing breakfast among a bountiful buffet table.
FAQ
1. Is it good to eat upma every day?
Upma has a low-calorie content, so you can eat it daily in moderation.
2. Is Upma good for fat loss?
High in fiber, Upma can keep you feeling full for a long time and thus make you eat less. It’s a good dish for fat loss with the advantage of many other vitamins and minerals.
3. Is it good to eat upma at night?
You can consume it as a snack, breakfast item, or for lunch or dinner.
