How To Make Fluffy Vegetable Upma In 15 Minutes

When you need a wholesome breakfast that is light, quick, and full of flavour, vegetable upma with peanuts is the perfect choice. This South Indian favourite combines roasted semolina, sautéed vegetables, and crunchy peanuts to create a balanced dish rich in texture and nutrition. Ready in under 20 minutes, it offers the warmth of home-cooked food without the fuss. Ideal for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch, this easy upma recipe delivers comfort, health, and a delicious start to your day.

What Is Upma?

Upma is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish made from semolina (also known as suji or rava). It’s lightly roasted and cooked with spices, curry leaves, and vegetables. The result is a soft, savoury porridge-like dish that’s filling yet easy on the stomach. Upma is popular across India for its versatility — it can be prepared plain, with vegetables, or even with variations like vermicelli or millets. Adding peanuts enhances both the protein content and the crunch factor, making this version especially delightful.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1 cup semolina (rava or suji)

2 tablespoons oil or ghee

½ teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 small carrot, finely diced

¼ cup green peas

1 small capsicum, chopped

2 green chillies, slit (adjust to taste)

8–10 curry leaves

¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)

½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

2½ cups hot water

Juice of half a lemon

2 tablespoons roasted peanuts

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-By-Step Cooking Method

1. Roast the semolina: In a pan, dry roast semolina on low heat until it turns aromatic and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the tempering: Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan. Add mustard seeds, and once they crackle, stir in urad dal, curry leaves, and green chillies.

Add vegetables: Sauté onions until translucent, then add carrots, peas, and capsicum. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften slightly.

Mix in semolina: Stir in the roasted semolina, salt, and turmeric powder (if using). Mix gently so that all the ingredients combine evenly.

Add water: Pour in hot water gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the semolina absorbs all the water.

Finish with flavour: Add lemon juice and roasted peanuts. Mix well and cover for a minute to allow the flavours to blend.

Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with coconut chutney or pickle on the side.

Why This Recipe Works

This quick vegetable upma with peanuts strikes the right balance between taste, nutrition, and convenience. The roasted semolina ensures a fluffy texture, while the vegetables bring colour and crunch. Peanuts add not just protein but a wonderful nutty contrast to the soft grains. The recipe uses basic pantry ingredients, making it a reliable choice for a nourishing breakfast or even a light dinner. It’s also easily customisable — you can add your favourite vegetables or tweak the spice level to suit your palate.

Nutritional Benefits of Vegetable Upma

Upma is naturally rich in carbohydrates, fibre, and plant-based protein. Using minimal oil keeps it heart-friendly, while the vegetables supply essential vitamins and antioxidants. Semolina is a slow-digesting grain that helps maintain energy levels without heaviness. The addition of peanuts boosts protein intake and provides healthy fats, making this dish both satisfying and sustaining. It’s an ideal breakfast for those seeking balanced nutrition with minimal cooking effort.

Tips for Perfect Upma Every Time

• Use fine or medium semolina for the best texture — coarse rava can make the upma too grainy.
  
  
  
• Always roast the semolina before cooking to prevent stickiness.

For extra flavour, add a teaspoon of grated ginger or a pinch of asafoetida while tempering.

Adjust water quantity for desired texture — use less for a drier upma, more for a softer consistency.

To make it vegan, stick to oil instead of ghee.

Serving Suggestions

Upma tastes best when served warm, paired with coconut chutney, curd, or a dash of pickle. You can also serve it with sambar for a South Indian breakfast spread. For a twist, sprinkle some grated coconut on top or serve with a side of tomato ketchup if you prefer a mild tang.

Quick vegetable upma with peanuts is proof that healthy eating need not be complicated. It brings together wholesome ingredients, vibrant colours, and comforting flavours in a single bowl. Whether for a weekday breakfast, lunchbox idea, or evening snack, this dish embodies the simplicity and satisfaction of Indian home cooking. Once you try this quick recipe, it might just become your go-to breakfast solution for busy mornings.