Some breakfast items in India are just too good. I mean, you can eat those every day and never get bored. Upma is one of those breakfast items. In Maharashtra, it is also called Sanza.
But you must know the right Upma recipe to indulge in its amazing taste.
You must be thinking, what’s so special about Upma? Well, most people prepare it wrong. So, here I am sharing an authentic and easy Upma recipe with you. Follow this recipe, and you will thank me later.
Easy Upma Recipe for 2
Upma Recipe Ingredients
Rava – 1 bowl
Onion – 1
Carrot – 1 small
Beans – 4-5
Green peas – as per your wish
Tomato – 1 (optional)
Green chilli – 7-8 (take more if you’re using light green chilli)
Ginger – 1 small piece
Curry leaves
Coriander
Groundnuts – as per your wish
Cashew nuts – 8-10
Urad daal – 1 teaspoon
Water – 3 bowls
Oil/ghee – 1 tablespoon
Jeera & Rai
Salt
Upma Process
Take 1 kadhai. Let it heat first. Then, on a low flame, add 1 bowl of rava and start roasting it. Make sure you are constantly roasting it with a spoon or spatula. We do not want to burn the rava. Once your rava is roasted, its color will change a bit. Do not overburn it.
How to check if rava is roasted properly? Just take a pinch of rava and press it between your fingers. If the rava sticks to your fingertips, then you have roasted it properly. If it falls off easily, it means you still need to roast it a bit.
Now move the rava to a plate. Use the same kadhai again. Add some oil and let it heat. Once the oil is hot, start adding jeera, rai, and urad dal. After these start crackling, add finely chopped ginger and curry leaves. Enjoy the aroma for a moment 😀
Now add the other chopped veggies. Add tomato at the end if you are using it. As soon as you add all the veggies to the kadhai, cover it with a lid for a few seconds. Why? Because green peas love dancing, and it also provokes the oil to dance 😀
Now remove the lid and stir-fry everything. Cook all the veggies properly. Once all the veggies are cooked, add 3 bowls of water. The ratio is simple. If you are using x amount of rava, then use 3x water. Let the water boil. Once it starts boiling, add salt as per taste.
Tip: Why add salt after the water boils? Because if added in the beginning, as the water evaporates, the salt particles evaporate too.
Now stir well and turn the flame to low. While stirring in a circular motion, start adding the rava gradually. DO NOT PUT ALL THE RAVA AT ONCE. I hope you understand the seriousness of this common mistake 😀
Mix everything well. Add chopped coriander. Now cover the kadhai with a lid and let the steam do its magic.
Meanwhile, take another small kadhai or pan. Add ghee to it. Add groundnuts and cashew nuts. You can add them at once or one by one. Once the nuts get a nice golden color, turn off the gas. Now check if the upma is ready. If yes, add the nuts to the upma and serve hot and fresh.
2 More Unique Upma Recipes
Coconut Pepper Upma Recipe (South-Style Glow Up)
Dry roast rava and keep it aside. Heat oil in a kadhai. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, curry leaves, and a few crushed black peppercorns. Add finely chopped onions and sauté till soft.
Now add grated fresh coconut and sauté for a minute. This is the twist. It gives sweetness and texture without changing the soul of upma.
Add 3x water. Let it boil, then add salt. Lower the flame and slowly add rava while stirring. Cover and let it steam.
Finish with ghee and a squeeze of lemon.
Simple, aromatic, and not your everyday upma.
Buttermilk Upma Recipe (No Onion, No Tomato)
Roast rava and keep it aside. Heat oil in a kadhai. Add mustard seeds, jeera, urad dal, chana dal, curry leaves, green chilli, and a pinch of hing. Do not add onion or tomato to this recipe.
Add other chopped veggies like carrot, beans, capsicum, or peas, and sauté well. Now add buttermilk instead of water. Keep the same ratio. Use 3x buttermilk for 1x rava. Let it come to a gentle boil and add salt carefully, since buttermilk is already tangy.
Lower the flame and slowly add rava while stirring continuously. Cover and let it steam till soft. Finish with ghee and coriander. Tangy, light, and very comforting.
Why Is Upma Considered Super Healthy?
1. Easy to Digest
Upma is light on the stomach and easy to digest, especially when made with well-roasted rava. This makes it a great breakfast or light meal option, even for people with weak digestion or acidity issues.
2. Good Source of Energy
Rava provides complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly. This helps keep you active for longer and prevents sudden energy crashes during the day.
3. Supports Weight Management
Upma keeps you full for a longer time due to its fiber content, especially when loaded with vegetables. This helps control unnecessary snacking and supports healthy weight management.
4. Nutrient-Rich When Veggies Are Added
Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, beans, and capsicum boosts the vitamin, mineral, and fiber content. This improves overall nutrition without making the meal heavy. Source.
5. Heart-Friendly
Upma uses minimal oil and does not require deep frying. When prepared with healthy fats and limited salt, it supports heart health and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
6. Good for Gut Health
The fiber from rava and vegetables supports smooth digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Variations made with buttermilk also add probiotics that improve gut health.
7. Suitable for All Age Groups
Upma is soft, easy to chew, and mild in flavor. This makes it suitable for kids, adults, and elderly people alike. You must learn the Upma recipe as it is quick and a savior. What if Swiggy is down? Just joking!
Final Words
Upma proves that comfort food can also be nutritious and satisfying. With simple ingredients, endless variations, and quick cooking time, it fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. Whether you like it plain, veggie-loaded, or with a tangy twist, this easy Upma recipe shows how everyday food can be both healthy and delicious. Follow YouthKnows for more bachelor-friendly recipes.
