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.
Leave a review
We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.
Recent Recipes
Onion Paratha - Crispy Savory Stuffed Paratha Recipe for an Easy Indian Breakfast
Learn how to make Onion Paratha, a quick and easy vegetarian Indian flat bread filled with spiced onions, besan, cilantro, and sesame seeds. This homestyle stuffed paratha is pan-cooked until crispy and served warm with yogurt, pickle, or butter for a comforting meal.
Onion Paratha is a comforting vegetarian Indian breakfast made with soft roti dough and a flavorful spiced onion filling. Thinly sliced onions are mixed with red chili powder, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, chaat masala, kasoori methi, and besan to create a savory filling that is bold, aromatic, and full of homestyle flavor.
Cooked on a hot tawa with oil or ghee, this stuffed paratha turns crispy on the outside while staying soft and flavorful inside. Finished with fresh cilantro and black sesame seeds, Onion Paratha pairs perfectly with yogurt, pickle, or butter for a warm and satisfying breakfast, brunch, or anytime vegetarian meal.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Onion Paratha. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our onion paratha recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Creamy Dahi Wale Chole - Tangy Yogurt Chickpea Curry - Vegetarian Indian Comfort Dish
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Dahi Wale Chole, a vegetarian chickpea curry made with creamy yogurt and warm Indian spices. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight meals and pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or paratha.
Dahi Wale Chole is a comforting vegetarian dish that brings together tender chickpeas and a creamy yogurt-based gravy, flavored with everyday Indian spices. This North Indian-style curry has a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors, with mustard oil and cumin seeds adding depth and warmth. Dahi Wale Chole pairs beautifully with steamed rice, naan, or paratha. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a wholesome vegetarian meal using ingredients you can easily find at Patel Brothers.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Dahi wale chole. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Dahi wale chole recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Moong Dal Chilla - Crispy, Protein-Packed Indian Breakfast - Light, Healthy & Vegetarian Recipe
This Moong Dal Chilla recipe is light, nutritious, and full of flavor. Made with lentils, spices, and your favorite veggies, these savory vegetarian pancakes are quick to prepare and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a wholesome snack.
Moong Dal Chilla is a classic Indian savory pancake made from soaked and ground lentils, known for its light texture and high protein content. Blended with ginger, green chilies, and simple spices, the batter comes together quickly and cooks into a delicious, golden chilla on a hot tawa. A touch of semolina adds a subtle crispness, making each bite perfectly balanced between soft and crispy.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Moong Daal Chilla. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our moong dal chilla recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
