Poha Upma (Atukula Upma) is a quick South Indian–style breakfast made with flattened rice. It is light, easy to digest, and perfect for busy mornings. With minimal spices and optional vegetables, this dish is both healthy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Thick poha (flattened rice) – 2 cups
- Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped)
- Carrot – 1 small (finely chopped)
- Mixed vegetables – ¼ cup (optional: beans, peas, capsicum)
- Green chillies – 2 (slit)
- Ginger – 1 tsp (finely chopped)
- Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
- Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
- Chana dal – 1 tbsp
- Urad dal – 1 tbsp
- Peanuts – 2 tbsp
- Curry leaves – few
- Salt – as needed
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Coriander leaves – for garnish
Preparation Method
- Wash poha gently 2–3 times, drain well, and rest for 5 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal, and peanuts. Fry till golden.
- Add ginger, green chillies, curry leaves, and onion. Saute until soft.
- Add chopped carrot and optional vegetables. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add salt and mix well.
- Add poha and mix gently on low flame.
- Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Switch off flame, add lemon juice, and mix.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Health Benefits
- Light and easy to digest
- Vegetables add fiber and vitamins
- Provides instant energy
- Low in fat and filling
Tips
- Use thick poha for best texture
- Do not over-soak poha
- Cook vegetables before adding poha
- Mix gently to keep poha fluffy
Variations
- Skip onion for vrat version
- Add grated coconut for South Indian flavor
- Add roasted peanuts powder for extra taste