Upma is a very popular south Indian breakfast food. In Goa it is available at the chaia dukan (Tea Stalls) till lunch time, locals call it Uppit. Upma recipes have changed so much that it is now consumed for lunch or dinner. The newer recipes have toasted nuts and dal, veggies and additional spices. The flavor and aroma are from curry leaves and mustard seeds. My recipe is of the past old days when life and foods were simple and not complicated.
Serving Size: 3-4
Ingredients:
2 tbsp of ghee or oil
1 cup cream of wheat/ rava/ semolina
2.5 cups water
1 medium onion chopped finely
15-20 curry leaves
1 green chilli
1/2 tsp of black brown mustard seeds
2 pinches of asafoetida
1/2 tsp of sugar
1/2 tsp of salt
Directions:
Heat a non-stick pan and roast the cream of wheat on medium heat by stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes till it has a nice light golden color and a nutty smell.
Take of heat. Heat oil or ghee in a pot. Add the mustard seeds, chilli and curry leaves, saute for 20-35 seconds. Add the onions and saute till light brown. You can add peas and carrots if you like and saute for 1-2 minutes. On the side boil 2.5 cup water add the sugar and salt.
Once onions are soft add the boiling water and slowly add the roasted cream of wheat by stirring continuously till no lumps are formed. check for seasoning.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes till thicken. Turn off the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. You can now mould the upma or serve as is. Enjoy it hot.
I made this tonight for dinner but did not have curry leaves on hand. Instead I threw in (with some peas) a bit of spinach I had left over. It’s delicate in flavor and texture. Much, much better than you’d ever think it could be!
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Love this recipe…..
I had a similar porridge by my friend from India and fell in love with this savory concept.
Looks like this recipe will be in my Caribbean Cafe in Trinidad…
Thanks Nandini.
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Thanks Farah, I am very happy to hear that 🙂
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How awesome it looks Nandini!
I need a favor.
I wanted to try self-hosted website. But after 2 days of putting tons of effort into it, I am realizing it’s not for me right now. One stupid mistake that I did was I migrated all my followers to the new site. I don’t want to lose you. I would totally appreciate if you would follow me back. Thanks a ton! Sorry for the trouble.
Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Namagiri Sridhar
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I’m so happy I found your blog! Most Goan cookbooks have the traditional vindaloo and sorpotel, but none of these traditional dishes that are enjoyed almost every day. Our nanny would make this for me in Goa. Thank you!
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You are so welcome Kimberly.I am happy to know that 🙂
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I used to love eating cream of wheat for breakfast with sugar and cinnamon. Nice change to try a savoury version.
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Yeah it sure is and makes for a savory breakfast 🙂
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Hi
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Looks awesome, I never tried anything similar, saving the recipe !
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Thank You so much, that is awesome to hear chefKreso 🙂
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Loving the presentation-photography apart from the yummy recipe!
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Thank You so much 🙂
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Love upma! Thanks for this recipe.
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That is so awesome 🙂
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This looks lovely! I’ve heard of upma before, and was always curious to try it. I actually picked up a bag of sooji at the grocery store yesterday, but didn’t know what it was. Now I’m thinking it must be the same as upma? If so, I would love to try out this recipe! Can I also make halwa with it? I’m always excited about trying to make Indian dishes!
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Hi Elle, you sure can make both they use the same ingredient of cream of wheat or sooji as it is called in hindi.
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Fantastic, thanks so much! I can’t believe I never knew that cream of wheat was the same as upma. I love learning about Indian cuisine and ingredients.
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You are welcome Elle!
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you already know you are the truth with your dishes and when you can flip cream of wheat and bring that flavor you truly got the goods. much respect always, peace
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Thank You appreciate your kind words 🙂
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Savory cream of wheat?! Oh my! I can’t wait to try this.
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I hope you do give it a try 🙂
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Cream of Wheat is one of my favorite hot breakfasts. This should add some zest to it.
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That is awesome, it sure will 🙂
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Hi Nandini!! Upma isn’t that a classic Indian breakfast. I remember my mom making upma with some carrots, peas and bell peppers. It was one of my favorites. Have you tried Bread Upma? It’s again something I learned from my mom in my growing days.
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Hi Adrash, I have tried it a couple times ages ago made from stale next day bread. Not sure if that is the same recipe. I need to check it out 🙂
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Wow! 🙂 🙂
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Thank You Sabitha 🙂
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Ahhh. I have never thought of savory Cream of Wheat. Interesting!
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Thanks Much 🙂 it is an interesting take on cream of wheat.
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This might be the answer to my my “oh not again” kids’ breakfast scream..
Will try out this one
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That is awesome. It is a great alternative. You can also add some toasted cashews 🙂
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I’m so excited to read this recipe. I’ve been wanting to try out some Indian recipes and this sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
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Thank You Bridget I am so happy to hear that 🙂
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I love how Indian cuisine incorporates curry in most dishes.
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Yes it does Edna. We need our curry fix 🙂
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Good morning, Nandini, thank you for visiting my blog! I have no choice but to follow you now because I don’t know the first thing about Indian cuisine – I didn’t even know about curry or sweet neem leaves!!! – and your recipes sound and look delicious. Thank you for the inspiration!
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You are very welcome. And Thank You for the follow back 🙂 I am happy to hear you find my blog of interest. wishing you Happy Travels 🙂
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Love Upma and sheera both 🙂 Looks yum!
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Thank You Freda 🙂
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This kind of dish is new to me. Looks delicious. 🙂
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Thank You so much 🙂
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Beatiful terminally hip Nandini! Thanks for the likes. Creative eats!
Peace be the Botendaddy
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You are very welcome 🙂
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Sounds delicious!
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Thank You 🙂
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This looks so yummy Nandini – love curry leaves in anything, I’m sure this really warmed up your tummy. 🙂
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Yeah Loretta…just brought back memories from back home 🙂
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This sounds interesting! Jackie
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Yeah Jackie not a typical American breakfast 🙂
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❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Looks delicious 🙂
Cheers !
Hans
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Thank you Hans 🙂
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Learned a great deal about Indian cooking!
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Thanks Chris that is awesome 🙂
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Wow did not know of the brand “Cream of wheat”. Thought it was really some cream Learnt something new again! Thanks!
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Thank You so much. I am glad to hear that 🙂
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Uppit! One of my favourite breakfasts! Looks very good Nandini 🙂
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That is awesome Divya…Thank You Much 🙂
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Wow! Cool
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Thank You Vonnie 🙂
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Truely Delicious.
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Thank You Ruchi 🙂
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This was gooooooood!
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Thank You Much 🙂
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“Oh my…😍”
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Thanks 🙂
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This is interesting. I love Cream of Wheat but have thought of preparing with anything other than milk. I will have to try your recipe.
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Thank You DMarie…it is a delicious recipe. You should give it a try at least onces 🙂
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My favorite breakfast!
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That is so good to know 🙂
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This looks sooo good! My son would have loved this when he was little.
Marcey
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Thank You Marcey, it is a simple yet delicious dish 🙂
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LOVE upma!
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That is awesome Archana 🙂
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Your recipes always intrigue me.
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Thanks Patty 🙂
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nom nom nom
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Thank You Jim 🙂
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I have been experimenting with cumin and cinnamon in my oatmeal this week. I will try this combination. It’s a way to change up my breakfast! Thanks for the inspiration!
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You are so welcome…I am happy to hear that. I have seen a couple of indian recipe make savory oatmeal using similar recipes 🙂
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Good to hear. i mean oatmeal is pretty bland and this will be good.
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