Vegetable Vermicelli Upma: A Healthy Snack Recipe For Weight Loss

Vegetable vermicelli upma is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made with vermicelli, which is also known as 'semiya' or 'seviyan' in Hindi, and a blend of aromatic spices along with chopped vegetables. Vermicelli is a type of thin, spaghetti-like noodle made from wheat or rice flour and is commonly used in various dishes throughout South Asia. The taste of vegetable vermicelli upma is savoury and slightly spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the vegetables. Vermicelli upma is a quick and easy dish to make that requires minimal preparation and cooking time. It can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick breakfast or a light and healthy snack as well.

The roasted vermicelli noodles have a nutty, toasty flavour and a slightly chewy texture, which contrasts well with the softness of the vegetables. The spices used in the dish give it a distinct and aromatic flavour, while the cilantro adds a fresh and herbal note. The vermicelli mostly used for this upma is made of rice, which makes it gluten-free. And if gluten is not an issue in your diet, you can use the variant made of wheat as well. All-in-all, vermicelli upma is a healthy dish that is great for weight loss as it is low in calories compared to other types of pasta or noodles. The vegetables added to the dish, such as carrots, beans, bell peppers, and green peas, are high in fibre, which can help you feel full and satisfied for longer. Fibre also aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. This dish is loaded with vegetables, which are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate. The nutrients support overall health and can help boost your immune system too. It is a low-fat dish since the vegetable vermicelli upma is made with minimal oil or ghee. This can be beneficial for weight loss, as a high intake of dietary fat can contribute to weight gain. Being a versatile dish, it can be easily customised to suit your dietary preferences and requirements. For example, you can add more vegetables or reduce the amount of oil used to make it even healthier.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vermicelli noodles
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, green peas, etc.)
• 2 green chillies, chopped
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• 2 cups of water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method

• In a pan, roast the vermicelli until they turn golden brown. Set aside.
• Heat the oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and let them crackle.
• Add the chopped onion, mixed vegetables, green chillies, and curry leaves to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
• Add 2 cups of water to the pan and bring it to a boil.
• Add the roasted vermicelli noodles to the pan and stir well.
• Cover the pan and let the noodles simmer on low heat until they are cooked and the water has been absorbed.
• Add salt to taste and mix well.
• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot.