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Chai-Shai aur Bread Upma Poha! My Friends, Welcome!

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Chef Curry Do’pyaza

Chai-Shai aur Bread Upma Poha! My Friends, Welcome!

Namaste, Sat Sri Akal, Kem Chho, and Vanakkam my lovely foodies! Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, back in your kitchens (virtually, of course!) with a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly morning.

Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Bread Upma Poha! This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a flavour explosion that’s perfect for those busy mornings, lazy brunches, or even a light, satisfying dinner.

You’ll often find Bread Upma Poha gracing tables during festivals like Diwali, Holi, and even casual get-togethers with friends and family. It’s a dish that transcends seasons, but it’s particularly delightful during the cooler months when you crave something warm and comforting. This is because it is a hearty dish that fills your stomach and warms you up.

A Little Slice of History

Upma and Poha are breakfast staples in many Indian homes. The idea of combining them with bread is a relatively modern twist. It’s a brilliant way to use up leftover bread and create a flavourful, quick meal. Think of it as a culinary mashup of the best kind!

Get Ready to Cook!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

What You’ll Need (The Samagri)

  • 4 slices of Bread (Any kind, but white or brown works best), cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup Poha (Flattened Rice), rinsed and soaked for 5 minutes
  • 1 medium Onion (Pyaaz), finely chopped
  • 1 Green Chilli (Hari Mirch), finely chopped (adjust to your spice level!)
  • 1/2 inch Ginger (Adrak), grated
  • 1/4 cup Green Peas (Matar)
  • 1/4 cup chopped Coriander Leaves (Hara Dhaniya)
  • 1 tbsp Mustard Seeds (Rai)
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
  • A pinch of Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
  • 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder (Lal Mirch) (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Nimbu ka Ras)
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (Vegetable, Sunflower, or Groundnut)
  • Salt (Namak) to taste

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Vidhi)

  1. Prep is Key: First, make sure your bread is cut into small, even cubes. This ensures they cook evenly. Rinse the poha under running water and let it soak for about 5 minutes, until it softens. Don’t over soak, or it will become mushy!
  2. Tempering Time: Heat the oil in a kadai or pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds and asafoetida. The aroma should fill your kitchen!
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and green chillies. Sauté until the onions turn a beautiful golden brown. Add the grated ginger and sauté for another minute.
  4. Spice It Up: Add the turmeric powder and red chilli powder (if using). Sauté for a few seconds, being careful not to burn the spices.
  5. Veggie Power: Add the green peas and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until they are slightly tender.
  6. Bread and Poha Unite: Add the soaked poha and bread cubes to the pan. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the spices coat the bread and poha evenly.
  7. Season and Simmer: Add salt to taste. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread is slightly toasted and the poha is heated through.
  8. Finishing Touch: Squeeze in the lemon juice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Mix well.
  9. Serve Hot: Your delicious Bread Upma Poha is ready to be devoured!

Chef’s Gyan (Tips for Best Results)

  • Bread Choice: Stale bread works best for this recipe. It absorbs the flavours better and doesn’t become too soggy.
  • Poha Perfection: Don’t over soak the poha! It should be soft but not mushy.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the green chillies and red chilli powder to your liking.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, capsicum, or potatoes.

Cooking it Your Way

  • Gas Stove: Follow the recipe as described above.
  • Induction Stove: The same instructions apply. Just adjust the heat settings as needed.
  • Microwave: Not recommended, as the bread may become soggy.
  • Air Fryer: You can toast the bread cubes in the air fryer before adding them to the pan for extra crispiness.
  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot: This recipe is not suitable for slow cooking.

Sehat ka Khazana (Nutritional Information)

Bread Upma Poha provides a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a relatively light and healthy meal, especially if you use whole wheat bread and add plenty of vegetables. However, be mindful of the oil content and sodium levels.

Parosne ka Tareeka (Serving Suggestions)

  • Serve hot with a dollop of yogurt or a side of spicy pickle.
  • Garnish with sev (crispy chickpea noodles) for added crunch.
  • A cup of hot chai or coffee makes the perfect accompaniment.

So there you have it, my friends! A simple, flavourful, and satisfying Bread Upma Poha recipe that’s sure to become a family favourite. Try this recipe at home and share it with your friends and family. I am sure they will enjoy this wonderful dish.

Happy Cooking!

Your friend,
Chef Curry Do’pyaza.