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Vegetable Upma

Vegan Masala Recipe

Vegetable Upma

Roasted semolina with vegetables, mustard seeds and curry leaves, finished with citrus for a hearty South Indian breakfast.

Recipe by How our recipes are created

22 minPrep: 10 minCook: 12 minServes 4IndianVegan
vegetable upmaSouth Indian breakfastsemolina breakfast

From the kitchen

What to expect

This vegetable upma brings warmth to the breakfast table, combining nutritious grains with colorful veggies. It's quick to prepare, making it a lovely start to the day.

Serving idea

Best served simply

Pair with coconut chutney or a simple side of pickles for a balanced meal.

Cook the recipe

Method

  1. 1

    Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegan ghee or neutral oil, followed by 1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds and 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds. If using, add 1 teaspoon split urad dal and 1 teaspoon chana dal. Stir continuously until the mustard seeds begin to pop and the dal is golden brown.

  2. 2

    Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onions, 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger, 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped green chili, and the optional curry leaves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are lightly browned.

  3. 3

    Introduce 2 cups of mixed vegetables, stirring well. Add a few tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.

  4. 4

    Pour in 1 3/4 cups of water, adding 1/2 teaspoon salt to season. Raise the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low heat, and gradually stir in 1 cup of roasted wheat semolina to prevent lumps. A wooden spoon works best for this.

  5. 5

    Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the water to be fully absorbed. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 2 minutes.

  6. 6

    Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and the juice of 1/2 lime or lemon. The upma should have a light and fluffy texture. Taste, and adjust with more salt, lime juice, or cilantro as desired.

Gather everything first

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegan ghee or neutral oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon split urad dal (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chana dal (optional)
  • 1/2 cup onions (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon green chili or jalapeño (finely chopped)
  • 4-6 curry leaves (optional)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, green beans, frozen green peas, etc.)
  • 1 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup roasted wheat semolina
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/2 lime or lemon (freshly squeezed)

A few useful notes

Notes

  • For a heartier texture, add more vegetables or adjust the semolina to water ratio slightly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.
  • When serving, you may top it with additional cilantro or lime for extra brightness.

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