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Vermicelli Upma
Donna

Semiya Upma (Vermicelli Upma)

Semiya Upma (Vermicelli Upma) is a healthy, vegan and savory South Indian breakfast recipe made with Vermicelli, vegetables, and spices. It is easy to make on stove top and Instant Pot and ready in 30 mins. Perfect for breakfast, snack, easy dinner, or lunchbox!!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 418
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1-2 tablespoon oil for sautéing
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (zeera)
  • 10-15 pieces curry leaves (kadi patta)
  • 1 medium red onion (finely chopped) (1 cup chopped approximately)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated or minced)
  • 1-2 pieces green chilies (slit vertically or finely chopped)
  • ½ bell pepper (finely chopped) (½ cup chopped approximately)
  • 1 cup mix veggies (frozen green peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
  • 1 medium tomato (finely chopped) (½ cup chopped approximately)
  • 1 ½ cup roasted vermicelli (semiya)
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adjust to taste)
  • 2-3 tablespoon cilantro leaves (coriander leaves) (finely chopped)

Equipment

  • pan
  • wok
  • Instant Pot

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Boil 2-3 cups of water in a pan & add the vermicelli to it along with some salt.
  2. Cook till they are done (as they cook they will expand in size).
  3. Drain & soak in cold water to prevent them from cooking further.
  4. Drain again, sprinkle some oil and mix to prevent them from sticking. Keep aside. This can be done ahead of time and kept refrigerated for 2-3 days.
  5. In a pan or wok, heat oil on medium heat. Add the mustard seeds to the hot oil and allow them to splutter.
  6. Then add the cumin seeds & curry leaves. Be careful as the spluttering will increase. Saute for few seconds.
  7. Add the onions, and saute till onions turn light brown or translucent. Stir in the ginger and green chili and mix well.
  8. Now add veggies - bell pepper, mix veggies (green peas, carrots, beans corns). Mix well, cover and cook until almost done.
  9. Stir in the tomatoes and spices - turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and garam masala and cook for another minute.
  10. Stir in the cooked & drained vermicelli. Cover & cook for a 1-2 mins.
  11. Squeeze in the lemon juice & garnish with some coriander leaves. Give it one final mix and Semiya Upma is ready to be served.
  12. Serve Semiya upma hot garnished with more cilantro and/or sev with your chai for breakfast or snack. Enjoy!