Vermicelli Food Upma, or “Semiya Upma,” is a delicious variation of the traditional upma made with semolina. Its main ingredient, vermicelli, gives this dish a delightful texture, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike. Ideal for a quick breakfast or a light dinner, vermicelli upma is both nourishing and easy to prepare. Whether you are craving something savory or are looking for a meal that can be put together in under 30 minutes, vermicelli upma is the perfect choice.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To make a delectable bowl of vermicelli food upma, you’ll need a handful of fresh and simple ingredients. Let’s break them down into essential and optional ingredients.
Main Ingredients:
- 150 grams roasted vermicelli (available in stores or roast it yourself)
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 strings of curry leaves
- 2 tablespoon oil (or ghee for extra flavor)
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Lemon juice (optional, for a tangy kick)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor:
- A handful of roasted cashews or peanuts for crunch
- Grated coconut for garnish
- Ghee instead of oil for a richer taste
Step by Step Recipe
Let’s walk through how to prepare this tasty vermicelli food upma with ease.
1. Roasting the Vermicelli
If you have store-bought roasted vermicelli, you can skip this step. If not, take your vermicelli and dry roast it in a pan over medium heat until it turns light golden brown. This step enhances the flavor and prevents the vermicelli from sticking together.
2. Preparing the Tempering
In a deep pan, heat a tablespoon of oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Cooking the Vegetables
Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, diced carrots and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent. Now, toss in the tomato and green peas and cook for another couple of minutes. These vegetables give the vermicelli food upma its wholesome feel. Now add Turmeric powder and salt to taste.
4. Cooking the Vermicelli
Gradually add the roasted vermicelli while stirring continuously to avoid clumps. Pour in water, season with salt, and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook on low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until the vermicelli absorbs the water and becomes soft.
5. Final Touches
Once the vermicelli is cooked and the water is fully absorbed, turn off the heat. Squeeze some lemon juice for a hint of tanginess(optional) and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. For added crunch, you can sprinkle roasted cashews or peanuts on top.
Tips for Perfection
Vermicelli Roasting Tips
If you’re roasting vermicelli at home, ensure you roast it evenly to achieve a golden-brown color without burning. This helps prevent the vermicelli from becoming mushy during cooking.
Cooking Techniques for Best Texture
Always stir vermicelli while adding it to the boiling water to prevent clumping. Additionally, avoid overcooking as this can make the upma soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Vermicelli upma is versatile and can be served with various accompaniments:
- Coconut Chutney: A classic South Indian dip that enhances the flavor.
- Pickles: Tangy Indian pickles can be served on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
- Yogurt: A spoonful of plain yogurt pairs well with the spicy upma.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Vermicelli
One of the most common mistakes is overcooking vermicelli, leading to a sticky and clumpy dish. Always cook until just done and no more.
Using Excessive Water
Too much water will make the upma soggy. Stick to a 2:1 water-to-vermicelli ratio for perfect results.
Skipping the Roasting Step
Roasting the vermicelli ensures a non-sticky and fluffy texture. Never skip this step if you’re using unroasted vermicelli.
History and Origin
Vermicelli food Upma, a traditional South Indian dish, originated centuries ago as a simple yet nutritious breakfast. While the original version used semolina, vermicelli upma gained popularity as an easier-to-cook and lighter variation. Over time, this dish has spread beyond South India, becoming a beloved breakfast across India.
Health Benefits
Vermicelli upma, when made with fresh vegetables, offers a wholesome meal rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins. Here’s a breakdown of its health benefits:
- Energy Boosting Carbs: Vermicelli provides quick energy, making it an ideal breakfast.
- Rich in Fiber: The added vegetables contribute to the fiber content, promoting digestive health.
- Low in Fat: Using minimal oil and including vegetables ensures a light, low-fat dish.
Variations
Vegetable Vermicelli Food Upma
Add more vegetables like bell peppers, beans, and tomatoes for a veggie-loaded version.
Non-Vegetarian Additions
You can add shredded chicken or scrambled eggs for a protein-packed meal.
Sweet Vermicelli
For a sweeter twist, cook the vermicelli in milk, sugar, and cardamom for a dessert-like treat.
Regional Cuisines
In South India, vermicelli food upma is often spiced with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a dash of coconut. In North India, vermicelli dishes may include more aromatic spices such as cumin and cloves, giving it a slightly different flavor profile. Various regions have their take on vermicelli, from Kerala’s coconut-rich version to Maharashtra’s masala vermicelli.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prepare vermicelli food upma in advance? Yes, you can prepare vermicelli food upma in advance. However, it’s best served fresh for the perfect texture. If reheating, add a splash of water to retain moisture.
2. What can I use instead of vermicelli? If you’re out of vermicelli, you can substitute it with semolina or broken wheat to make a similar dish.
3. How can I prevent vermicelli from clumping together? The key is to roast the vermicelli well before cooking and stir continuously while adding it to boiling water.
4. Is vermicelli food upma suitable for kids? Yes! Vermicelli upma is often a kid-friendly dish, especially if you reduce the amount of green chilies for a milder taste.
5. Can I freeze vermicelli food upma? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze vermicelli upma for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
To know more about Vermicelli click here.
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