Bread Upma is a popular and savoury Indian dish with bread slices and a flavorful mix of spices and vegetables. It’s a quick and easy recipe, often enjoyed for Indian-style breakfast or as a snack. Originating from South India, bread upma with vegetables creatively transforms leftover bread into a delicious and satisfying meal.
Bread Upma is a beloved dish that holds a special place in South Indian cuisine. It effortlessly combines the comfort of bread with the aromatic spices of the region, creating a delightful dish that has won the hearts of many. While many upma recipes are popular, this bread upma recipe is a unique snack recipe and one of the best leftover bread recipes.
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This South Indian Style Bread Upma offers a delightful combination of textures, with the softness of the bread contrasting with the crunch of the tempering and the freshness of the garnishes. The spices provide a burst of flavour, making it a satisfying and comforting dish that’s loved by many. Additionally, its versatility allows for various modifications to suit individual tastes and preferences.
Why you will love this South Indian Style Bread Upma Recipe?
Quick and Convenient: Bread Upma is a go-to recipe for busy mornings or when you want a quick and hassle-free meal. The minimal preparation time and cooking process make it convenient for those with a tight schedule.
Budget-Friendly: This Indian Breakfast with bread is an economical dish that utilizes simple and readily available ingredients, making it a good choice for those preparing a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Versatile Ingredients: The recipe is flexible, allowing for the inclusion of a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices. This adaptability lets individuals personalize this South Indian recipe based on their preferences and the basic ingredients available in their kitchen.
Family-Friendly: Bread Upma is generally a hit with all age groups, including children. Its mild yet flavorful profile appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a family-friendly dish everyone can enjoy.
Reducing Food Waste: This quick recipe provides a great way to use leftover or slightly stale bread, reducing food waste in the kitchen. Instead of discarding older bread, you can transform it into a delicious and satisfying meal.
Comfort Food Appeal: The warm and comforting nature of Bread Upma makes it a perfect choice during rainy days or when seeking a comforting meal. It’s a dish that invokes a sense of home and tradition.
Beginner-Friendly: This dish is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. It’s an excellent introduction to Indian Breakfast recipes with bread and for those new to cooking or exploring different flavours in Indian Cuisine.
Customization for Spice Preferences: Individuals can adjust the spice levels according to their taste preferences. Whether you prefer a milder version or enjoy a spicier kick, Bread Upma allows customization to suit individual spice tolerances.
Ingredients needed to make Easy Bread Upma without Tomatoes
Bread: Regular white bread, whole wheat, or multigrain bread can be used.
Oil: Use any cooking oil of your choice.
Mustard seeds, Urad dal, Cashew nuts and Curry Leaves: Add for tempering.
Green Chillies and Ginger: Use for spice and flavour
Onion, Bell Pepper and Green Peas: Use finely chopped onions and bell pepper, boiled or frozen green peas.
Dry spices: Turmeric Powder for colour and flavour
Salt & Sugar – For an added taste
Lemon juice: Add towards the end for a tangy taste
Coriander Leaves: Use freshly chopped coriander leaves to garnish the bread upma.
How to make Quick and Easy Bread Upma Recipe with Vegetables
Tempering: Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. Allow them to splutter, releasing their flavours into the oil. Add cashews and sauté till they turn golden brown.
Sautéing Aromatics: Add finely chopped onions and cook until the onions become golden brown, on medium heat. Crush a piece of ginger and a few green chillies together. Add them to the cooked onions.
Adding Vegetables: Add finely chopped bell pepper and frozen/boiled green peas to the mixture and cook until they soften and blend well with the other ingredients.
Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, turmeric powder, and sugar. Mix well to ensure an even coating of the spices.
Bread Cubes: Cut the bread into bite-sized bread cubes and add them to the pan. Gently mix to coat the bread pieces with the flavorful mixture. Add two tablespoons of water and let them cook for 2 or 3 minutes.
Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a splash of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Serve Warm: This Simple Bread Upma recipe is best enjoyed hot. It can be served on its own or with tomato ketchup, chutney and hot tea/coffee.
Tips & Suggestions
Kind of bread: Choose any bread of your choice. Whole wheat bread or multigrain bread can add an extra layer of nuttiness.
Customization: Tailor the spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables or spices.
Texture Matters: Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred texture. Some may enjoy a softer Masala Bread Upma, while others prefer it slightly crispy.
Garnish Creatively: Elevate the visual appeal by experimenting with different garnishes. A sprinkle of grated coconut or a handful of crushed peanuts can add a delightful crunch to this delicious Bread Upma.
Frequently asked questions
While white bread or sandwich bread is commonly used, you can experiment with whole wheat brown bread or multigrain bread for a twist and to add unique flavours and textures to your Bread Upma.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the tempering mixture and toss it with bread cubes just before serving to maintain the dish’s texture.
Add diced vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, peas, sweet corn or carrots for a colourful and nutritious twist. You can also experiment with different spice blend toppings like roasted peanuts and grated coconut or incorporate grated cheese for a decadent touch.
While it’s commonly enjoyed for a quick breakfast, Bread Upma is a versatile dish served as an evening snack, light lunch, or dinner. Its adaptability allows it to fit into various mealtime scenarios.
Add the bread cubes just before you are ready to serve to avoid sogginess. The spices and seasonings should be well-coated, but the bread should retain texture. Overcooking or letting the dish sit for too long after preparation can lead to the softening of the bread.
Instead of green chillies, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, chaat masala, sambar powder or pav bhaji masala can add some spice and flavour to the Bread Upma.
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Recipe Card
Quick & Easy Bread Upma Recipe with Vegetables
Ingredients
- 8 slices Bread
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeda
- 1 teaspoon Urad Dal
- 10 Cashew Nuts
- Curry Leaves as needed
- 2 medium Onions finely chopped
- 4 Green Chillies
- 1 inch Ginger
- ¼ cup Green Peas Boiled or Frozen
- ¼ cup Bell Pepper Finely chopped
- Salt as needed
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ½ teaspoon Sugar
- 3 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Water
- 2 tablespoon Coriander Leaves
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. Allow them to splutter, releasing their flavours into the oil. Add cashews and sauté till they turn golden brown.
- Add finely chopped onions and cook until the onions become golden brown, on medium heat.
- Crush ginger and green chillies together. Add them to the cooked onions.
- Add finely chopped bell pepper and frozen/boiled green peas to the mixture and cook until they soften and blend well with the other ingredients.
- Sprinkle salt, turmeric powder, and sugar. Mix well to ensure an even coating of the spices.
- Cut the bread into bite-sized bread cubes and add them to the pan. Gently mix to coat the bread pieces with the flavorful mixture.
- Add two tablespoons of water and let them cook for 2 or 3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and some lemon juice if desired.
- Bread Upma is best enjoyed hot. It can be served on its own or with tomato ketchup, chutney and hot tea/coffee.