Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and choosing the right morning meal can completely transform your energy levels and productivity. One such wholesome and comforting breakfast that Indians love is Vegetable Upma. This classic South Indian dish is simple, nourishing, and ready within minutes. It is made with semolina (rava/suji) and mixed vegetables, creating a perfect balance of carbs, fiber, and nutrients. This vegetable upma recipe is a must-try for everyone.
If you’re looking for a delicious dish that is light on the stomach, easy to digest, and ideal for both kids and adults, then this Vegetable Upma recipe is going to be your new favorite! Day 2 of our recipe series brings you this warm, fluffy, and aromatic dish that you can prepare even on your busiest mornings. Try out this vegetable upma recipe for a delightful start to your day!
Why Vegetable Upma Recipe is a Perfect Breakfast Choice
Vegetable Upma has been a breakfast favorite for generations because it is:
✔ Quick to make – gets ready in under 10 minutes
✔ Budget-friendly – needs simple ingredients
✔ Customizable – add any vegetables you like
✔ Light & healthy – perfect for weight-loss diets
✔ Kid-friendly – soft texture and mild flavors
Plus, it is loaded with fiber from vegetables, making it a great choice for digestion and sustained energy.
Ingredients You Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina (rava / suji)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal
- 1 teaspoon chana dal
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 green chili (slit or chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (finely chopped)
- 1 small carrot (chopped)
- ¼ cup green peas
- ¼ cup capsicum (optional)
- 2½ cups hot water
- Salt as needed
- 10–12 curry leaves
- Fresh coriander for garnish
How to Make Soft & Fluffy Vegetable Upma (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Dry Roast the Rava
Heat a pan and dry roast the semolina on medium flame until fragrant.
Roasting is very important because it prevents the upma from becoming sticky and lumpy.
Step 2: Prepare the Tempering
In a separate pan, heat oil or ghee.
Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add urad dal, chana dal, and let them turn golden.
Step 3: Add Onions & Veggies
Add chopped onions, green chili, ginger, and curry leaves.
Sauté until onions turn light pink.
Add carrots, peas, and capsicum. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Water & Salt
Pour 2½ cups of hot water into the pan.
Add salt to taste.
Let it boil.
Step 5: Add Rava and Stir Continuously
Lower the flame. Slowly add roasted rava while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Keep mixing until everything blends well.
Step 6: Cover & Steam
Cover with a lid and steam for 2 minutes.
Your soft and fluffy Vegetable Upma is ready!
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Add coriander leaves and a few drops of ghee before serving.
Why This Upma Turns Out Perfect Every Time
- Roasting the rava prevents stickiness
- Adding hot water creates fluffy texture
- Continuous stirring removes lumps
- Resting for 2 minutes after cooking helps flavors blend beautifully
Health Benefits of Vegetable Upma
✔ High Fiber
The vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
✔ Good for Digestion
Semolina is light and easy to digest.
✔ Weight-Loss Friendly
Low in fat and keeps you full longer.
✔ Diabetic-Friendly
Low glycemic index when cooked with vegetables.
✔ Great for Kids
Soft texture and mild flavor make it easy for kids to enjoy.
Variations You Can Try
1. Tomato Upma
Add chopped tomatoes for a tangy flavor.
2. Coconut Upma (South Indian Style)
Mix in fresh coconut for extra richness.
3. Vegetable Masala Upma
Add turmeric, garam masala, and more vegetables.
4. Lemon Upma
Squeeze fresh lemon after cooking for a refreshing taste.
5. Peanut Upma
Add roasted peanuts for crunch and protein.
Expert Tips for Perfect Upma
- Use fine rava for soft texture.
- Add hot water, not cold.
- Don’t skip roasting.
- Add 1 tsp ghee for amazing flavor.
- Always stir while adding semolina.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why does Upma become sticky?
Upma becomes sticky when rava is not roasted properly or when too much water is added.
2. Can I make Upma without vegetables?
Yes! Plain upma tastes great too. But vegetables make it healthier.
3. Can I use oil instead of ghee?
Yes, you can use any cooking oil. But ghee enhances flavor.
4. Can I pack Upma for kids’ lunch box?
Absolutely. Upma stays soft and fresh for 3–4 hours.
Vegetable Upma is one of the easiest and healthiest Indian breakfasts you can prepare every morning. It requires minimal effort, contains balanced nutrients, and tastes delicious with coconut chutney or even plain sugar. Whether you are a student, working mother, beginner cook, or someone trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle, this Vegetable Upma recipe will become your go-to breakfast.
Vegetable Upma is one of the easiest and healthiest Indian breakfasts you can prepare every morning. It requires minimal effort, contains balanced nutrients, and tastes delicious with coconut chutney or even plain sugar. Whether you are a student, working mother, beginner cook, or someone trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle, this Vegetable Upma recipe will become your go-to breakfast.