Wheat Bread Upma is a deliciously different take on the beloved South Indian breakfast staple. With cubes of hearty wheat bread standing in for the traditional semolina, it’s like giving your morning a cozy, carb-y hug. But don’t be fooled – this dish is far from ordinary.
About the Recipe
If you’re looking to shake up your breakfast routine, Wheat Bread Upma is just the ticket. This ingenious recipe transforms day-old bread into a flavour-packed morning meal that’s sure to become a new favourite. With its zesty blend of spices, vibrant veggies, and crispy bread cubes, every bite is an explosion of textures and tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real – mornings can be a struggle. But this Wheat Bread Upma makes getting out of bed worth it. The aroma alone will have you hopping to the kitchen, and the first bite? Pure bliss. The tender veggies, the warmth of those spices, the heartiness of the bread. It’s like a great big breakfast hug. Plus, it’s a clever way to use up stale bread and prevent food waste. eco-friendly and delicious – what’s not to love?
Wheat Bread Upma
Cooking Tips
For next-level Upma, use a crusty rustic loaf and tear it into generous bite-sized chunks. The nooks and crannies will soak up all those glorious spiced juices. Speaking of spices, don’t be shy about ramping them up to suit your tastes. And pro tip: squeezing a wedge of lemon over the top adds a burst of freshness.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
This aromatic breakfast serves 4 and comes together in under 30 minutes – not too shabby for such big flavors. Leftover Upma can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and merely reheated in the microwave with a splash of water to revive it. Or pack it up for a protein-packed, savory lunch that’ll make the office envious.
Nutrient Benefits
More than just a clever use of leftovers, Wheat Bread Upma is a nutrition powerhouse. You’ve got fiber and nutrients from the vibrant veggies, plant-based protein from the lentils and bread, and a host of antioxidants from those warming spices. It’s a wholesome way to kickstart your day.
Wheat Bread Upma
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 Wheat Bread Slices (cut into cubes or small squares)
- 100 gms Carrot
- 100 gms Green Peas
- 100 gms Beans
- 4 Green Chillies
- 2 Onions (big)
- Bengal Gram Dal (little)
- Mustard Seeds (little)
- Urad Dal (little)
- 1/4 tsp Ginger (grated)
- Turmeric Powder (a pinch)
- Salt as per taste
- Oil as required
- Red Chilli Powder as per taste
Instructions
- Add turmeric powder, salt and red chilli powder to the bread slices and transfer to a bowl.
- Add a little water and mix well.
- Heat oil in a pn.
- Fry the mustard seeds, urad dal and bengal gram dal for 30 seconds.
- Saute the onions, green chillies and ginger for a minute.
- Add the carrot, green peas, beans and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add a little water and cover the pan with a lid.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Squeeze out any excess water from the bread and add to the pan.
- Mix well and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Switch off the flame.
- Serve hot.
Note: If you are unable to find wheat bread, use brown bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular white bread for this recipe?
While you can use white bread in a pinch, the rustic texture and nutty wheat flavor of a heartier loaf like whole wheat or multigrain bread really takes this dish to the next level. The sturdy crumb soaks up all those luscious spiced juices beautifully.
What if I don’t have all the veggies listed?
The beauty of Upma is its flexibility. Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal veggies or whatever you have on hand. Cauliflower, bell peppers, spinach – they’ll all work beautifully. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Is this dish spicy? I don’t like a lot of heat.
The great thing about this recipe is that you control the spice level. The amount of green chilies and red chili powder are totally adjustable, so you can make it as mild or fiery as you’d like. If you’re spice-averse, start with just half the recommended amount and go from there.
I’m trying to eat less carbs. Can I omit the bread?
Sure, you could make this into a traditional veggie-lentil Upma without the bread cubes. But honestly, the chewy, crispy bread bites really make this dish special. They act as little flavor sponges for the spiced juices. If carbs are a concern, go easy on your portion size instead.
How do I add more protein to this meal?
For a protein boost, you could stir in some cooked lentils, chickpeas or scrambled eggs at the end. A dollop of creamy yogurt on the side would also add some staying power. And of course, this dish is delicious accompanied by a chewy, grilled chicken kebab or two.
