About Aval Upma

Both poha and Upma are quite a favorite choice for breakie, when it comes to me and my family. So, I regularly make both these dishes at home. What I love the most about these preparations is that they are quick to prepare and are quite nutritious too. This recipe of Poha Upma is actually a South Indian version (Tamil, to be more precise). Hence, also referred to as Aval Upma as the Tamil word for ‘poha’ is ‘aval.’ At home, whenever I make the regular Maharashtrian Poha recipe, I usually have 2 variations for it – one with kanda (onion) and the other with kanda and batata (onion and potato). Other than the flattened rice or poha, this Aval Upma has more or less those ingredients which are traditionally used in a rava upma. Like mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, onion, cashews, etc. Some added ingredients in this specific Tamil style Poha Upma are asafoetida, coconut and turmeric powder due to which it is also yellow in color, and not white. In case you want to make a vegan-friendly version of this upma, skip the asafoetida.

More on Aval Upma

I also add some vegetables like potato, carrot and green peas in this Aval Upma. But this is not mandatory, as I may skip adding these sometimes. You can steam the veggies first and then add or cook the veggies along with the tempering and then add the poha. Choose whatever is easy for you. However, if you are cooking the vegetables with the tempering for this Poha Upma, then you will have to add some water. Cover the pan and cook the veggies. Once the vegetables soften, simmer till the moisture dries up before adding the flattened rice. Poha or flattened rice/beaten rice/parched rice is used extensively in Indian cuisine. Just like this Aval Upma, there are a variety of other dishes that you can make with this wonder ingredient, which is basically a form of rice. Some more well-known Indian preparations with flattened rice include:

Poha Chivda Indori Poha Poha Dosa Batata Poha Chura Matar

You can serve this wholesome vegetable Poha Upma with your morning cup of tea or coffee or also as a hearty evening snack.

How to make Aval Upma

Preparation

  1. You will need to steam vegetables, if you plan to add them. I used 1 potato, 1 carrot and ⅓ cup green peas. Once steamed, peel and chop the potato and carrot and keep aside. You can also cook the vegetables directly with the tempering in the pan or skip the vegetables.
  2. Rinse 2 cups thick poha with water in a colander or strainer for a couple of times. Move the poha with your hands while rinsing. The poha just needs to get softened. So, rinse gently.
  3. Add ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon sugar and salt as required to the poha.
  4. Mix gently. Keep aside.

Making tempering

  1. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil and add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds.
  2. When the mustard seeds crackle, add 1 teaspoon chana dal (optional), 1 teaspoon urad dal (optional) and 10 to 12 cashews. You can also add 1 tablespoons peanuts, instead of cashews.
  3. Stir and sauté till both the dals and cashews turn golden.
  4. Now, add ⅓ cup finely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger, 1 teaspoon chopped green chilies, 1 dried red chili, 8 to 10 curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida (optional).
  5. Stir and sauté till the onions turn translucent.

Making Aval Upma

  1. Add the vegetables
  2. Stir very well.
  3. Then, add the poha.
  4. Stir and mix gently. Check the taste and add more salt or sugar, if required.
  5. Ensure that everything gets mixed evenly and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes. After mixing, you can also cover the pan and allow the Poha Upma to steam for 3 to 4 minutes on low heat.
  6. Lastly, add 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves and mix gently. You can also add 2 to 3 tablespoons grated fresh coconut, drizzle some lime or lemon juice and mix.
  7. Serve Aval Upma hot or warm with lemon or lime slices or Lemon Pickle.

Expert Tips

Please be sure to rate the recipe in the recipe card or leave a comment below if you have made it. For more vegetarian inspirations, Sign Up for my emails or follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter. Aval Laddu | Poha Laddu Aval Payasam Recipe | Poha Kheer Set Dosa | Soft Sponge Dosa Recipe Masala Dosa Recipe (Mastering The Perfect Batter & Filling) This Aval Upma Recipe from the archives was first published in June 2015. It has been updated and republished in April 2024.

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