Kitchen Recipe Collection
Indian Semiya Upma
A quick, savory vermicelli breakfast dish tempered with mustard seeds, lentils, and mixed vegetables, popular across South India.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 3
- Difficulty
- easy
- Cuisine
- indian
Ingredients
Scaled for 3 servings
- vermicelli (semiya)
- mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
- onions
- green chilies
- ginger
- mustard seeds
- urad dal
- curry leaves
- oil or ghee
- water
- salt
Equipment
- Wide pan with lid
Instructions
- 1
Roast Vermicelli
If using unroasted vermicelli, dry roast it in a pan on low heat until golden brown. Set aside.
- 2
Heat Oil
In the same pan, heat a tablespoon of oil or ghee.
- 3
Temper Spices
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add urad dal and fry until golden.
- 4
Add Aromatics
Add chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and curry leaves.
- 5
Sauté Onions
Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- 6
Cook Veggies
Add chopped carrots, green beans, and peas. Sauté for 2 minutes.
- 7
Boil Water
Pour in the exact amount of water required (usually 1.5 cups water for 1 cup vermicelli). Add salt and bring to a rolling boil.
- 8
Check Seasoning
Taste the boiling water; it should be slightly salty, like seawater.
- 9
Add Vermicelli
Slowly add the roasted vermicelli into the boiling water while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- 10
Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight lid, and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes.
- 11
Fluff
Turn off the heat. Let it rest covered for another 5 minutes to absorb remaining moisture, then gently fluff with a fork.
- 12
Finish
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, garnish with coriander leaves, and serve hot.
Cooking Tips
- The water-to-vermicelli ratio is critical. Too much water will turn it into a sticky, mushy paste.
- Always roast the vermicelli, even if the packet says 'roasted', to ensure the strands stay separate.
Variations
- Egg Semiya: Scramble an egg into the pan before adding the water for a protein-rich version.
Chef's Notes & Storage
- A lifesaver for busy mornings, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
Nutrition Estimate
280 calories · 5g protein · 48g carbs · 8g fat · 4g fiber per serving
