By Shreya Sarpal
September 21, 2025
Upma is a traditional South Indian breakfast made with roasted semolina, tempered spices, onions, and curry leaves. Light, fluffy, and wholesome, it’s a quick dish served hot with chutney or pickle.
1 cup semolina 2 tbsp ghee or oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp urad dal 1 tsp chana dal 1-2 chopped green chillies 1 inch grated ginger 8-10 curry leaves 1 finely chopped onion 2 ½ cups water Salt to taste Chopped Fresh coriander Lemon juice
Dry roast semolina in a pan until aromatic, then keep aside.
Heat ghee/oil, add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, green chillies, ginger, and curry leaves.
Add onions, sauté until soft.
Pour in water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
Gradually add roasted semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.