Classic Rava Upma Recipe – A One-Pot South Indian Breakfast Favorite Made with Semolina and Spices
Ingredients
- Rava (semolina) - 1 cup
- Oil - 2 Tbsp
- Ghee - 3 Tbsp
- Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
- Urud Dal - 1/2 tsp
- Green Chili - 2 qty. (chopped)
- Ginger - 1/2 inch (chopped)
- Curry Leaves - 1-2 sprigs
- Onion - 1 med. (chopped)
- Carrot - 1 med. (chopped)
- Water - about 2 cups
- Salt - 1/2 tsp
- Sugar - 1 Tbsp
Rava Upma, also known as Suji Upma, is a comforting and wholesome South Indian breakfast dish made with roasted semolina (rava), tempered spices, and sautéed vegetables. It’s quick to prepare, light on the stomach, and full of flavor—making it a go-to meal for busy mornings or a nourishing evening snack.
The subtle nutty aroma of roasted rava, combined with the warmth of curry leaves, ginger, and green chilies, brings out the true essence of traditional South Indian cooking. A touch of sugar balances the flavors and enhances the taste. Serve your upma hot with coconut chutney, green peas curry, or a cup of chai for a complete and satisfying meal.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Rava Upma. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our rava upma calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make Rava Upma:
1) In a Kadai or large pan over medium / high heat, add 1 cup rava (semolina) and roast for 5 minutes. Stir continuously to make sure it roasts evenly and doesn't change color.
PRO TIP: You can skip this step if you buy roasted rava.
2) Transfer your roasted rava to a bowl and set aside for later.
3) Into the same kadai, add 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp ghee.
4) Once heated up, add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds into the oil and let it splutter.
5) Next add 1/2 tsp urad dal and saute until golden brown.
6) Add 2 chopped chilies, 1/2 inch ginger chopped, and 1-2 sprigs of curry leaves and saute until the curry leaves are lightly crispy.
7) Next, add 1 medium chopped onion and 1 medium chopped carrot and saute until they are cooked.
8) Add 1/2 tsp salt and mix well.
9) Pour about 1 3/4 cup of water into this and add the rest of the ghee (1 tbsp) and stir.
PRO TIP: If you want your upma to be dry, add 1/4 cup less water. If you prefer it a bit runny, add 1/4 cup more.
10) Bring to a boil. Once it boils, lower the flame to medium.
11) Next, gradually add the roasted rava to the water and mix well.
12) Once all the rava has been added, tap it down into the kadai, cover it, and cook on a low flame for five minutes.
13) After that, turn off the flame and keep it covered for another five minutes.
14) Lastly, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the top.
PRO TIP: Adding some sugar elevates the taste and also helps to scramble the upma better.
15) Scramble the mixture until there are no big lumps, and then transfer to a serving dish.
16) Serve hot with chana curry or green peas curry.
17) Enjoy!
Rava Upma, also known as Suji Upma, is a comforting and wholesome South Indian breakfast dish made with roasted semolina (rava), tempered spices, and sautéed vegetables. It’s quick to prepare, light on the stomach, and full of flavor—making it a go-to meal for busy mornings or a nourishing evening snack.
The subtle nutty aroma of roasted rava, combined with the warmth of curry leaves, ginger, and green chilies, brings out the true essence of traditional South Indian cooking. A touch of sugar balances the flavors and enhances the taste. Serve your upma hot with coconut chutney, green peas curry, or a cup of chai for a complete and satisfying meal.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Rava Upma. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our rava upma calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
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