Easy Rava Upma Recipe | How to Make Soft & Fluffy Rava Upma

Rava Upma, also known as Sooji Upma, is one of the simplest and most comforting South Indian breakfasts. Light, fluffy, gently spiced, and incredibly satisfying, this classic dish turns simple semolina into a warm bowl of nourishment that works for breakfast, snack time, or even a quick dinner. 

What makes Sooji Upma truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. With basic pantry...

Easy Rava Upma  recipe

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Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
30min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)
  • sooji/rava (semolina)
    sooji/rava (semolina)
    1cup
  • oil
    oil
    4tbsp
  • raw peanuts
    raw peanuts
    1/4cup
  • mustard seeds
    mustard seeds
    1tsp
  • chana dal
    chana dal
    1/2tbsp
  • urad dal
    urad dal
    1/2tbsp
  • chopped ginger
    chopped ginger
    1/2tbsp
  • dry red chilli
    dry red chilli
    1
  • curry leaves
    curry leaves
    1sprig
  • chopped onions
    chopped onions
    1/2cup
  • green chilli chopped
    green chilli chopped
    1
  • water
    water
    3cups
  • Salt to taste
    Salt to taste
  • lemon juice
    lemon juice
    1tbsp
  • chopped coriander leaves
    chopped coriander leaves
    2tbsp

How to make Easy Rava Upma

  1. Step 1

    Dry roast the rava on medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

    Step 1.1: Dry roast the rava on medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden
    Step 1.2: Dry roast the rava on medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden
  2. Step 2

    Heat oil in a pan and fry the peanuts until golden and crisp. Remove and keep aside.

    Step 1.1: Heat oil in a pan and fry the peanuts until golden and crisp
    Step 1.2: Heat oil in a pan and fry the peanuts until golden and crisp
  3. Step 3

    In the same oil, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

  4. Step 4

    Add chana dal, urad dal, and ginger. Sauté until the dals turn lightly golden.

  5. Step 5

    Add the dry red chilli and curry leaves; sauté for a few seconds.

    Step 1.1: Add the dry red chilli and curry leaves; sauté for a few seconds
  6. Step 6

    Add chopped onions and green chilli. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent.

    Step 1.1: Add chopped onions and green chilli
  7. Step 7

    Return the roasted peanuts to the pan.

    Step 1.1: Return the roasted peanuts to the pan
    Step 1.2: Return the roasted peanuts to the pan
  8. Step 8

    Pour in the water, add salt, and bring it to a boil.

    Step 1.1: Pour in the water, add salt, and bring it to a boil
  9. Step 9

    Slowly add the roasted rava while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

    Step 1.1: Slowly add the roasted rava while stirring continuously to avoid lumps
  10. Step 10

    Cook until the mixture thickens and all the water is absorbed.

    Step 1.1: Cook until the mixture thickens and all the water is absorbed
  11. Step 11

    Add lemon juice and coriander leaves; gently fluff and mix.

    Step 1.1: Add lemon juice and coriander leaves; gently fluff and mix
  12. Step 12

    Cover and steam on low heat for 1–2 minutes for the flavours to meld.

    Step 1.1: Cover and steam on low heat for 1–2 minutes for the flavours to meld
  13. Step 13

    Serve hot with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or enjoy it plain!

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

173.8kcal (8.69%)

Protein

3.9g (7.76%)

Carbs

18.8g (6.84%)

Sugars

0.8g (1.6%)

Healthy Fat

7.3g

Unhealthy Fat

1.4g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use pre-roasted peanuts to save time.

  2. For variation, replace peanuts with cashews or add raisins for a hint of sweetness.

  3. Adjust lemon juice and salt to your taste preference.

  4. Add vegetables like carrots, peas, beans, or capsicum for extra nutrition.

  5. For extra richness, drizzle 1–2 tsp ghee on top before serving.

FAQS

  1. Can I use pre-roasted rava?

    Yes, using pre-roasted rava can save time and ensure a fragrant base for your upma.

  2. What can I serve with Rava Upma?

    Rava Upma pairs well with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or can be enjoyed plain.

  3. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

    Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, peas, beans, or capsicum for extra nutrition and flavor.

  4. How do I prevent lumps while adding rava?

    Stir continuously while adding the roasted rava to boiling water to prevent lumps.

  5. Can I replace peanuts with other nuts?

    Yes, you can replace peanuts with cashews or even add raisins for a hint of sweetness.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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