Vermicelli Upma is a traditional Indian breakfast dish made with roasted vermicelli noodles sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of spices. This savory dish is often garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served hot. With its quick preparation and delicious taste, Vermicelli Upma is a popular choice for a hearty and satisfying morning meal, offering a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. Cooking home-style Semiya Upma (Vermicelli Upma) is simple and delicious. Here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vermicelli (semiya)
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium-sized tomato, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 inch ginger, finely chopped or grated
- 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, bell peppers, etc.), finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A few curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Freshly chopped coriander leaves for garnishing (optional)
Instructions:
- Roasting Vermicelli:
- Heat a pan on medium heat and add vermicelli to it.
- Dry roast it until it turns light golden brown in color. Keep stirring to avoid burning. Once roasted, remove it from the pan and keep it aside.
- Tempering:
- Heat oil or ghee in the same pan.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions, green chilies, ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
- Adding Vegetables:
- Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a couple of minutes until they are slightly cooked.
- Cooking Vermicelli:
- Pour water into the pan and add salt according to taste. Bring it to a boil.
- Once the water starts boiling, add the roasted vermicelli to it. Stir well.
- Simmering:
- Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on low heat until the vermicelli is cooked and water is absorbed. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep checking in between and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Final Touch:
- Once the vermicelli is cooked and the water is absorbed, add chopped tomatoes. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
- Garnishing:
- Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves if desired.
- Serving:
- Serve hot Semiya Upma with coconut chutney or just as it is.
Tips:
- You can customize the vegetables according to your preference.
- Adjust the quantity of green chilies according to your spice preference.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can enhance the flavor.
- You can also add roasted peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make sure to roast the vermicelli well to avoid it becoming mushy while cooking.