Rava Upma Recipe | South Indian Breakfast Classic
“✨ Start your day with the wholesome comfort of Rava Upma — light, fluffy, and packed with flavor!” ✨
Rava Upma, also known as Sooji Upma, is a timeless South Indian breakfast favorite that has comforted generations. Light, fluffy, and subtly spiced, this dish is made by roasting semolina until nutty and golden, then cooking it with tempered spices, ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves. A drizzle of ghee at the end brings everything together with an irresistible aroma. Simple yet satisfying, Rava Upma is perfect for busy mornings, quick dinners, or even as a warm evening snack with a cup of filter coffee ☕. This simple one-pot dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with chutney, pickle, or even a dollop of sugar for kids.
🛒 Ingredients
- Rava (semolina/sooji) – 1 cup
- Water – 3 cups
- Oil – 4 to 5 tbsp
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Chana dal – 1 tbsp
- Urad dal – 1 tbsp
- Curry leaves – a few
- Green chilies – 2 (chopped)
- Ginger – 1 inch (finely chopped)
- Salt – to taste
- Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch
- Ghee – 1 tbsp
👩🍳 Instructions
-
** Roast the Rava**
- In a kadai, dry roast rava on medium-low flame until it turns golden brown and aromatic. Keep aside.
-
** Temper the Spices**
- Heat oil in the same kadai.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chana dal and urad dal, saute until light brown.
- Add chopped ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, and hing. Fry briefly.
-
** Add Water**
- Pour 3 cups of water into the kadai along with salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
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** Cook the Upma**
- Reduce the flame to low. Slowly add roasted rava while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Stir until the water is absorbed and mixture reaches porridge consistency.
-
** Steam Cook**
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
-
** Finish with Ghee**
- Add ghee, mix well, cover, and rest for 5 minutes for best flavor.
🌟 Tips
- Roast rava on low-medium heat for even golden color and nutty aroma.
- Stir continuously while adding rava to prevent lumps.
- Adjust water (2.5–3 cups) depending on desired texture — soft or grainy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with **coconut chutney , ginger chutney , or sugar **.
- Can also be enjoyed with pickle or curd.
- Makes a light breakfast, tiffin, or even dinner.
💪 Nutritional Benefits
🌾 Rava (Semolina)
- Rich in complex carbs for energy.
- Good source of iron and B vitamins.
🌱 Curry leaves & Chilies
- Aid digestion and add natural antioxidants.
🧈 Ghee
- Enhances flavor, provides healthy fats.
👉 Rava Upma is a nutritious, quick, and satisfying meal that combines tradition with everyday comfort.
🎥 Video Tutorial
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🌿 “Recipes & traditions, straight from the heart.”