Upma is one of the most popular dishes in South Indian cuisine. Best enjoyed in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, Upma can be made quickly at home. While it is traditionally enjoyed with suji or semolina, there have been several innovations in this dish. One of the most popular innovations is Bread Upma that’s prepared with leftover or stale bread. This upma is also known as Bread Usli (in Konkani) and brings comfort in a single bowl. For those looking to upgrade this upma recipe, they can add vegetables of their own choice such as carrots, onions, peas, and capsicum etc. The use of spices, green chillies, curry leaves, and ginger gives the recipe a tantalising aroma.
It uses pantry-staple ingredients readily available in the kitchen and can be prepared in 15 minutes, making it the best option for your kids' lunch boxes. Additionally, it is ideal for busy days when you are looking for fuss-free and tasty recipes. Pairing your bread upma recipe with masala chai is the best combination for your evening snack and breakfast.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
6 slicesWhole wheat or white bread (cut into small cubes)
In a toaster or on a heated pan, use oil or ghee to toast the bread until golden brown and crisp. Cool and cut the bread slices into small pieces, and keep them reserved. Be sure to use soft bread for better results. You can also use leftover bread if you have any.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Prepare The Tempering
In the same pan, fry the peanuts and cashew nuts until golden and crunchy. Take them out and keep them aside. Then add cumin seeds, urad dal and mustard seeds. Sauté till the urad dal turns lightly golden. Add curry leaves and green chillies and sauté till the leaves turn fragrant.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Add the vegetables
Now add the chopped onion and sauté. When you notice that they turn golden, then add grated ginger and keep sautéing. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt to taste. Sauté the mixture until the tomatoes turn mushy. Add water and mix the mixture well.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Cook The Bread Upma
Keep cooking until the mixture thickens, then taste and adjust the salt and spices to your liking. At last, add toasted bread and nuts. Mix gently without breaking the bread slices and coat them with the spicy tomato-onion masala. Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice at last and serve.
It is always best to use stale white bread or a pav bread to make bread upma at home. These breads have a dense crumb and do not turn mushy while cooking.
Yes, it is best for people with busy mornings looking for a quick and comforting lunchbox option.
Bread upma is easy to store and does not turn mushy.
You can add toasted bread and roasted peanuts for more upliftment in flavour. To make it a more nutritious option, you can incorporate a scrambled egg in the recipe.
There is no difference between bread upma and bread poha. However, they are only distinguished by name according to the region.
Vegetables like green beans, potatoes, green peas or bell peppers can be added for more crunch and flavours. This customisation makes this dish more versatile.