Bread Upma Recipe – Easy Indian Street Food Breakfast Idea

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Bread Upma Recipe – Easy Indian Street Food Breakfast Idea

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… hectic. Between getting ready and juggling a million things, a quick and tasty breakfast is a must. And honestly, nothing beats a comforting, flavorful bite to start the day. That’s where this Bread Upma comes in! It’s a super easy, incredibly satisfying Indian street food-inspired breakfast that’s become a regular in my kitchen. I first made this when I was craving something savory and didn’t want to spend hours cooking. It’s been a lifesaver ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bread Upma is seriously a game-changer. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, uses ingredients you probably already have, and is bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover bread, and it’s a fantastic alternative to traditional upma (made with semolina). Plus, it’s a delightful mix of textures – crunchy, soft, and a little bit spicy!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 6 slices bread (white/wholemeal)
• 3 tsp oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• A few curry leaves
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green chilli, chopped
• ½ tsp ginger paste
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• ½ small capsicum, chopped
• 3 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Don’t skip this! It gives the upma a beautiful vibrant red color without adding too much heat. It’s all about the look, honestly!
• Bread Choice: You can use either white or wholemeal bread. I personally love using wholemeal for a slightly nutty flavor and extra fiber, but white bread works perfectly well too.
• Spice Levels: Spice is a very personal thing, isn’t it? Traditionally, South Indian cuisine uses a good amount of spice. Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili and chili powder to your liking. My friend, Priya, always adds a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
• Regional Variations: You’ll find that different regions in India have their own take on upma. Some add peas, others add potatoes. Feel free to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, toast your bread slices until they’re golden brown and nice and crisp. Then, cut them into cubes. Set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. Wait for them to splutter – that’s when you know they’re ready!
3. Add the curry leaves and let them sizzle for a few seconds. The aroma is amazing, right?
4. Now, add the chopped onions, green chilli, and ginger paste. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and softened.
5. Toss in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become mushy and soft.
6. Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, sugar, and salt. Mix everything well and cook for a minute or two.
7. Add the chopped capsicum and stir briefly – you want it to retain a little bit of crunch.
8. Pour in 2 tablespoons of water and mix well. Gently fold in the toasted bread cubes.
9. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb all those lovely flavors.
10. Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the bread: You want it to be soft but still hold its shape.
• Adjust the water: If the upma seems too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.
• Fresh is best: Using fresh ingredients, especially the ginger and chilli, really elevates the flavor.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply use vegan bread and a plant-based oil like sunflower or canola oil.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use your favorite gluten-free bread. Just be mindful that it might absorb the moisture a little differently, so you might need to adjust the water accordingly.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like it hot, add another green chilli or increase the chili powder. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the green chilli altogether.
• Quick Breakfast Variation: Use pre-cut bread cubes to save even more time in the morning! My kids love this when we’re really rushing.

Serving Suggestions

Bread Upma is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A side of yogurt (raita) to cool things down.
• A cup of hot chai (Indian tea).
• A simple Indian pickle.

Storage Instructions

While Bread Upma is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. Can I use leftover bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic way to use up stale bread. In fact, slightly stale bread works even better as it holds its shape better during cooking.

2. What is the best type of bread to use for Bread Upma?

You can use either white or wholemeal bread. It really comes down to personal preference.

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

Adjust the amount of green chilli and chili powder to your liking. Start with less and add more to taste.

4. Can I make Bread Upma ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep some ingredients ahead of time, like chopping the vegetables.

5. What is the role of sugar in Bread Upma?

The sugar balances the spice and acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more harmonious flavor.

6. Can I add vegetables other than capsicum?

Definitely! Peas, carrots, or even potatoes would be delicious additions.

Enjoy making this Bread Upma! I hope it becomes a breakfast staple in your home, just like it has in mine. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!