How To Make Upma Tamil Nadu Style

Upma (pronounced oop-maa) is a traditional Indian dish served mainly during breakfast. Upma is served and eaten all over the Indian subcontinent with regional variations on flavors and vegetables that comprise the dish. The roots of this savory entrée come primarily from the south Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This is the traditional authentic Tamil Nadu version of this simple and delicious dish that will ignite your passion of trying ethnic dishes in the comfort of your home!

Ingredients

2 cups sooji flour (also known as semolina)

1 shredded carrot

1 medium white onion finely chopped

3 green chilies

½ cup of frozen green peas

½ cup frozen pre-cut French beans

5-6 tablespoons of vegetable oil

½ inch of fresh, peeled and shredded ginger

½ tsp mustard seeds

6-8 curry leaves

¼ cup chopped coriander leaves

¼ tsp turmeric powder

Salt to taste

4 cups of water

Granulated sugar (optional)

Step 1  

Pour sooji flour into a large metal pan or wok. Heat under a medium to medium low flame.

Step 2  

Roast sooji mixture for 5-10 minutes. Mix consistently to prevent burning at the bottom of the pan. Make sure the sooji does not change color.

Step 3  

Turn off heat and set sooji aside.

Step 4  

Heat oil in a separate pan or wok under medium to medium high heat.

Step 5  

Add mustard seeds and curry leaves to hot oil.

Step 6  

Wait till mustard seeds start to splutter and burst.

Step 7  

Add onion and ginger to oil once mustard seeds splutter and cook until onions become translucent.

Step 8  

Add carrots, French beans, and peas and sauté for 5-10 minutes.

Step 9  

Split 3 green chilies in half with a knife and add to vegetables. Mix well.

Step 10  

Add turmeric powder and salt to taste and mix well.

Step 11  

Add 4 cups of water to the vegetable mixture and let it come to a boil.

Step 12  

Add roasted sooji to boiling water SLOWLY while stirring the mixture to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 13  

Add chopped coriander leaves and stir mixture over a low heat making sure all the sooji is incorporated.

Step 14  

Cook for another 3-5 minutes.

Step 15  

Turn off heat and serve hot!

Tips

• Most of these ingredients can be bought at any regular grocery store. Purchase sooji flour, mustard seeds, coriander leaves and turmeric powder at any Indian store, which guarantees authenticity of flavor necessary for the dish. The coriander leaves, mustard seeds and turmeric powder can be found in the spice aisle, while the sooji flour can be found in the lentil aisle (ask for assistance if needed!).
• Upma can be served with granulated sugar drizzled on top.
• Upma is a simple easy to make dish that is perfect for beginners. The flavors are not too robust or intense which makes it a great dish for Indian cuisine first-timers. The authenticity of the dish will encourage exploration of the cuisine and break the notion that Indian food can only be enjoyed from a restaurant. This simple recipe can also be tweaked and changed according to an individual's taste which allows for creativity in the kitchen.