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Indian recipes and culinary adventures

Bread Upma: A Chatpata Breakfast Treat from Chef Curry Do’pyaza!

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Chef Curry Do’pyaza

Bread Upma: A Chatpata Breakfast Treat from Chef Curry Do’pyaza!

Namaste Doston! Kem cho? Ki khobor? (Greetings friends! How are you? What’s up?)

Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, ready to spice up your day with a dish that’s close to my heart – Bread Upma! This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a burst of flavour that wakes you right up!

Occasions for Upma

Bread Upma is a superstar during busy mornings, lazy weekend brunches, and even as a quick and satisfying dinner. In many North Indian homes, it’s a staple during festivals like Diwali and Holi, offering a comforting and familiar taste amidst all the grand feasts. It is also a great way to use up leftover bread.

A Little History Lesson

Upma, in its various forms, has been a part of the Indian culinary landscape for centuries. While the exact origin is debated, it’s believed to have originated in South India. Bread Upma, a clever adaptation, likely emerged as a way to use leftover bread, showcasing the resourcefulness of Indian cooks. It’s a testament to how we Indians love to transform simple ingredients into something truly special!

Let’s Get Cooking!

This recipe is quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 6 slices of Bread (Any kind, but white or brown works best)
  • 1 medium Onion (Pyaaz), finely chopped
  • 1 medium Tomato (Tamatar), finely chopped
  • 1 Green Chili (Hari Mirch), finely chopped (adjust to your spice level!)
  • 1 inch Ginger (Adrak), grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Seeds (Rai)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirch)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil (Tel) – Vegetable or Sunflower oil works well
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander Leaves (Hara Dhaniya), chopped
  • Salt (Namak) to taste
  • 1/4 cup Water

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prep the Bread: Cut the bread slices into small cubes. You can lightly toast them in a pan or oven for a crispier texture, but it’s optional.
  2. Temper the Spices: Heat oil in a kadai or pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds and asafoetida. The aroma will be divine!
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Next, add grated ginger and chopped green chilies. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Cook the Tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and become pulpy. This will create a lovely base for our upma.
  5. Add the Spices: Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for a minute, stirring constantly, so the spices don’t burn.
  6. Combine Everything: Add the bread cubes to the pan and mix well, ensuring the bread is coated with the tomato-onion mixture and spices.
  7. Sprinkle with Water: Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of water over the bread mixture. This will help soften the bread and create a moist upma. Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread has absorbed the moisture.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Bread Upma:

  • Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the bread, or it will become mushy.
  • Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to your liking.
  • Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavour and nutrition.
  • Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a tangy kick.

Cooking it Your Way:

  • Gas Stove: Follow the recipe as described above.
  • Induction Stove: Same as the gas stove, just adjust the heat settings accordingly.
  • Pressure Cooker: Not recommended for this recipe, as the bread can become too mushy.
  • Oven: Not traditionally made in the oven.
  • Microwave: You can microwave the upma for a minute or two to reheat it, but it’s best cooked on the stovetop.
  • Air Fryer: Not recommended for this recipe.
  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Not recommended for this recipe.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

  • Calories: 250-300
  • Protein: 8-10g
  • Carbohydrates: 40-45g
  • Fat: 8-10g

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve hot as a breakfast, snack, or light meal.
  • Pair it with a cup of hot chai or coffee.
  • A dollop of yogurt or a side of raita adds a cooling contrast.
  • Garnish with a sprinkle of sev (crispy chickpea noodles) for added texture.

Time to Get Cooking!

So there you have it, folks! A simple yet satisfying Bread Upma recipe that’s sure to become a favourite in your home. Try it out, experiment with the ingredients, and make it your own.

Do try this delightful recipe and share it with your friends and family. Let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!

Yours Truly,

Chef Curry Do’pyaza!