Start Your Day Right with This Fast and Tasty Puffed Rice Upma Recipe
Mornings can often feel like a race against time for office workers. The rush to get ready and tackle morning tasks often leaves breakfast overlooked or skipped altogether. However, skipping breakfast and relying solely on a cup of coffee is not a healthy option. It denies the body the essential nutrients needed to kickstart the day, which can result in low energy, poor concentration, and even headaches. Moreover, it can disrupt your metabolism, potentially leading to weight gain. That’s why a nutritious and filling breakfast is crucial for a positive start to the day.
Puffed rice, known for its crunchy texture, is a versatile ingredient that adds heartiness to any meal. While it’s a popular element in Indian street food like Bhel Puri, it can also be the star of a quick and easy breakfast dish—puffed rice upma. This unconventional yet simple recipe offers a swift solution for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
- Puffed rice
- Oil
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Curry leaves
- Ginger
- Raw peanuts
- Onion
- Green chilies
- Green peas
- Turmeric powder
- Tomato
- Lemon juice
- Coriander leaves
- Salt
Method: Begin by setting aside 2-3 cups of puffed rice. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and wait for them to pop. Next, toss in ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds and ¼ cup of raw peanuts, allowing the peanuts to roast until they are crispy and have a roasted texture.
Once the peanuts are ready, add 1 grated ginger, 1 finely chopped onion, 2 green chilies, curry leaves, and salt to taste. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown. Then, mix in ¼ cup of green peas, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 chopped tomato. Let everything cook for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes soften.
Finally, add the puffed rice to the pan, along with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir well and serve hot, ideally with a cup of tea.