Bread Upma Recipe – Authentic Indian Breakfast with Poppy Seeds

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Bread Upma Recipe – Authentic Indian Breakfast with Poppy Seeds

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good breakfast that’s both comforting and a little bit different. And let me tell you, this Bread Upma is exactly that! I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago, looking for a way to use up some slightly stale bread, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s a wonderfully flavorful, savory dish that’s perfect for a quick weekday breakfast or a cozy weekend brunch. Plus, the unique blend of spices – especially the poppy seeds – gives it a really special touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bread Upma isn’t your average breakfast. It’s a fantastic way to experience a unique Indian flavor profile in a surprisingly simple dish. It’s quick to make (under 30 minutes!), uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and is incredibly satisfying. Seriously, the combination of the soft, spiced gravy and the slightly crunchy toasted bread is amazing. It’s a hug in a bowl!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Bread Upma:

• 10 slices day-old bread, refrigerated and cubed (about 250g)
• 1 onion, cubed (about 150g)
• 1 tomato, cubed (about 120g)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste (about 15ml)
• 2 tbsp ghee / butter / oil (30ml)
• ½ tsp mustard seeds (about 2g)
• 1 tsp chilli powder (about 5g)
• 1 tsp coriander powder (about 5g)
• 1 small bunch coriander leaves, chopped (about 30g)
• 2 tsp salt (about 10g)
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds / khus khus (or coconut) (about 20g)
• 1″ piece cinnamon (about 2.5cm)
• 3 cloves (about 1.5g)
• ¼ tsp saunf / fennel seeds (about 1g)
• 3 tbsp grated coconut (about 30g)
• 1 tbsp roasted gram / pottukadalai (about 15g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few things will really make this recipe shine:

• Day-old bread: This is key. Slightly stale bread holds its shape better in the gravy. Refrigerating it beforehand helps it cube nicely and toast up beautifully.
• Ghee: While you can use butter or oil, ghee adds a wonderful richness and authentic flavor. It’s what my grandmother always used!
• Poppy seeds (Khus Khus): These are what give this upma its signature flavor. If you can’t find them, grated coconut is a good substitute, but the taste will be slightly different.
• Roasted Gram (Pottukadalai): This adds a lovely nutty texture. It’s sometimes called puffed chickpeas and can be found in Indian grocery stores. Don’t skip it if you can find it!
• Spice Blends: Feel free to adjust the chilli powder to your liking. Some regions also add a pinch of turmeric for color and flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Toast the Bread: Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan over medium heat. Lightly toast the cubed bread in batches until slightly browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Set aside.
2. Temper the Spices: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp ghee. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add the cubed onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the chilli powder and coriander powder. Fry for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until aromatic.
4. Cook the Tomatoes: Mix in the cubed tomatoes and cook until they soften and become mushy, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Make the Gravy: While the tomatoes are cooking, grind the coconut and roasted gram with about ½ cup of water to form a smooth paste. Add this paste to the pan, along with the water used for grinding (this adds extra flavor!). Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
6. Spice it Up: Dry-roast the poppy seeds (or coconut, if using), cinnamon, cloves, and fennel seeds in a small pan for a minute or two until fragrant. Grind them into a powder. Add this powder to the simmering gravy and mix well.
7. Finish & Serve: Add the chopped coriander leaves and adjust the salt to taste. Now, layer the toasted bread on a plate and pour the hot gravy over it. Mix well before eating – you want every piece of bread coated in that delicious sauce!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip toasting the bread! It prevents it from getting soggy in the gravy.
• Grind the spices fresh: This makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Adjust the gravy consistency: If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with a plant-based oil like coconut oil or sunflower oil.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use your favorite gluten-free bread. Just be mindful that it might be a bit more delicate, so toast it carefully.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce the amount of chilli powder for a milder flavor, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Festival Adaptations: During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can skip the onion and garlic for a vrat friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

Bread Upma is fantastic on its own for breakfast or a light lunch. You can also serve it with a side of yogurt or a simple salad. It’s also a great snack!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The bread will soften over time, but it will still taste delicious!

FAQs

1. What type of bread works best for Bread Upma?

Any firm, slightly stale bread will work well. White bread, whole wheat bread, or even brioche can be used.

2. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the gravy a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before adding the toasted bread.

3. What is roasted gram (pottukadalai) and where can I find it?

Roasted gram, also known as pottukadalai or puffed chickpeas, is a lentil that’s been roasted until crunchy. You can find it in Indian grocery stores or online.

4. Can I use coconut milk instead of water when grinding the coconut?

Absolutely! Coconut milk will add extra richness and flavor to the gravy.

5. How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Start with a smaller amount of chilli powder and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

6. Is this dish suitable for a light meal or snack?

Definitely! Bread Upma is a satisfying yet light meal or snack that’s perfect for any time of day.