Savory Vegetable Upma with Tempering

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Indian breakfast made with semolina, mixed vegetables, and aromatic tempering for a perfect balance of textures. This indian-inspired breakfast (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Semolina (sooji), Water, (finely grated) Carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Indian cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup semolina with 2 cups water, mixing until evenly moistened. Let it rest for 5 minutes to absorb the water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and 1/4 tsp mustard seeds, and cook until they splutter (about 30 seconds).
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1 finely chopped green chili, and 1/4 cup curry leaves to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup grated carrots and 1/2 cup green peas, cooking for 3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Add the semolina mixture (with absorbed water) to the skillet, along with 1 tsp salt. Stir continuously with a spatula for 8-10 minutes until the mixture becomes dry and crumbly, scraping the bottom to prevent sticking.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves. Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Vegetable Upma with Tempering take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Savory Vegetable Upma with Tempering?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep semolina (sooji) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Vegetable Upma with Tempering?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Savory Vegetable Upma with Tempering for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Savory Vegetable Upma with Tempering vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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