Quinoa Upma Recipe For A Quick South Indian Breakfast On Busy Weekdays

By Shreya Sarpal

May 29, 2025

Quinoa upma is a healthy twist to the South Indian staple that is often prepared with rava. It is a breakfast recipe that includes fresh vegetables and minimal seasonings. Click to read the recipe

Ingredients

1 cup rinsed quinoa 1 finely chopped onion 1 diced carrot 1/4 cup green peas 2 slit green chillies 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tbsp oil or ghee 6-8 curry leaves 1 tsp grated ginger 2 cups water Salt to taste Lemon juice and coriander leaves for garnish

Step 1

Heat water with some salt, add the quinoa and cook until it turns fluffy and set aside.

Step 2

Heat oil, splutter some mustard seeds, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chillies and saute for a few seconds.

Step 3

Add onions, saute, then stir the ginger, carrots, peas and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add turmeric powder, salt, mix it well, then add the cooked quinoa and gently mix until it is well mixed.

Step 5

Turn off the heat, add a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.