Go Back

Sooji Upma

Print Recipe
Quick savory semolina breakfast with vegetables and spices.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sooji / rava (semolina)
  • 2–2½ cups water
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small carrot, chopped (optional)
  • 1–2 green chilies, slit
  • ½ tsp mustard seeds
  • ½ tsp urad dal (optional, for crunch)
  • 1 tsp chana dal (optional)
  • 8–10 curry leaves
  • A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1–2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • Fresh coriander leaves
  • Lemon juice to finish

Instructions

  • Roast the Sooji
  • In a dry pan, roast the sooji on low till it smells toasty and turns slightly golden. Keep it aside — this step is key to non-sticky upma.
  • Temper the Morning Mood
  • Heat oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, curry leaves, green chilies, and hing. Sauté for a minute.
  • Add the Aromatics
  • Add onions (and carrots if using). Sauté till soft but not brown.
  • Add Water ' Simmer
  • Pour in water. Add salt. Let it come to a gentle boil.
  • Bring in the Sooji
  • Lower the flame. Slowly add roasted sooji with one hand, stir continuously with the other. No lumps — just patience.
  • Steam ' Serve
  • Cover for 1–2 minutes. Add coriander and a dash of lemon juice. Serve hot.
  • ☕ Why I’ve Grown to Love It