Meal Prep · Indian
Little Millet Upma (Samai Upma)
A wholesome and delicious South Indian breakfast or light meal, packed with nutrition and natural goodness.
Ingredients
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Step-by-step- Rinse the little millet thoroughly under running water for 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, urad dal (if using), and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add curry leaves, chopped onion, green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion turns translucent.
- Add the finely chopped mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender-crisp.
- Add 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth) and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, add the drained little millet, stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the millet is cooked through.
- Turn off the heat and let the upma rest, covered, for another 5 minutes. This helps the millet to fluff up perfectly.
- Open the lid, gently fluff the upma with a fork, stir in the lemon juice, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving hot.
Nutrition
Per serving| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
Storage & Freezer Guide
Make it last Refrigerator 3-4 days
Store leftover upma in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure it cools completely before storing.
Freezer Not recommended
While technically possible, upma tends to become dry and lose its texture upon freezing and thawing. Best consumed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheat Stovetop/Microwave
To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the upma, cover, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or gently warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Chef’s Corner
- For a richer flavor and aroma, lightly dry roast the little millet for 3-4 minutes on low heat before rinsing. This also helps in preventing stickiness.
- The water-to-millet ratio is crucial. Generally, 1:2 (millet:water) works well for upma, but some millets might require slightly more or less. Adjust as needed.
- Don’t skip the resting time after cooking; it allows the millet grains to absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn for added nutrition and color.
- For a protein boost, add roasted peanuts or cashews along with the tempering, or serve with a side of yogurt.
