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Bread Upma: A Chatpata Breakfast Champ!

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Chef Curry Do’pyaza

Bread Upma: A Chatpata Breakfast Champ!

Namaste Doston! Kem cho? Sat Sri Akal! Vanakkam!

Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, back with another recipe that’s guaranteed to tickle your taste buds and warm your heart. Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Bread Upma, a dish as versatile as it is delicious.

Bread Upma is a popular breakfast dish, especially in South India and Western India. It is often made during festivals like Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, or even just a regular Sunday morning when you want something quick, tasty, and satisfying. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bread! Think of it as a flavorful, spiced bread pudding, but savory and oh-so-Indian!

A Little History Lesson

While the exact origins of Bread Upma are a bit hazy, it’s generally believed to be a clever creation born out of the need to reduce food wastage. Smart cooks realized that stale bread could be transformed into something truly special with the addition of aromatic spices and vibrant vegetables. And thus, Bread Upma was born! It’s a testament to the ingenuity of Indian cooking, where nothing goes to waste.

Get Ready to Cook!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

What You’ll Need (The Ingredients)

  • 6 slices of bread (brown or white, your choice!)
  • 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 cup mixed vegetables (Gajar, Beans, Matar) – Carrots, Beans, and Peas, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup coriander leaves (Hara Dhaniya), chopped for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds (Rai)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (Jeera)
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (Haldi)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (Lal Mirch)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 tablespoons oil (Tel)
  • Salt (Namak) to taste
  • 1/4 cup water

Let’s Get Cooking!

  1. Prep the Bread: First, tear the bread slices into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also lightly toast them in a pan or oven for a slightly crispier texture. Keep aside.
  2. Tempering Time: Heat the oil in a pan or wok (kadai) over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add the cumin seeds.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Then, add the grated ginger and chopped green chilies. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Veggie Power: Add the chopped tomatoes and mixed vegetables. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Spice it Up: Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for another minute, ensuring the spices don’t burn.
  6. Bread Bonanza: Add the bread pieces to the pan and mix well, coating them evenly with the spice mixture.
  7. Moisture Magic: Sprinkle the water over the bread mixture. Mix well and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the bread to soften and absorb all the flavors.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful Bread Upma!

Chef Curry’s Top Tips for Upma Perfection

  • Bread Choice Matters: Slightly stale bread works best for Bread Upma as it absorbs the flavors better.
  • Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the bread, or it will become mushy.
  • Spice It Your Way: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your spice preference.
  • Add a Tangy Twist: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a refreshing zing to the dish.

Upma, Your Way!

  • Gas Stove/Induction Stove: The recipe above is perfect for both gas and induction stoves. Just adjust the heat accordingly.
  • Pressure Cooker: While not traditionally made in a pressure cooker, you can try it. After adding the bread, cook on low pressure for just 1 whistle, then immediately release the pressure. This requires careful attention to avoid a mushy result.
  • Microwave: For a quick fix, you can microwave the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Air Fryer: Lightly toast the bread pieces in the air fryer for extra crispiness before adding them to the pan.
  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Not recommended for this particular recipe, as the bread tends to become overly soft and lose its texture.

Nutrition Notes

Bread Upma provides a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. Adding vegetables increases its nutritional value, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot for breakfast or as a light evening snack.
  • Pair it with a dollop of yogurt (Dahi) or a side of pickle (Achaar) for extra flavor.
  • Enjoy it with a cup of hot chai or coffee.

So there you have it! A simple, flavorful, and satisfying Bread Upma recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Go ahead, try this recipe at home and share the deliciousness with your friends and family. I am sure they will love it!