Upma

Upma or Uppuma or Uppittu is a common South Indian and Sri Lankan Tamil breakfast dish, cooked as a thick porridge from dry roasted semolina or coarse rice flour. Various seasonings and/or vegetables are often added during the cooking, depending on individual preferences. These days, it is popular in most parts of India and is prepared in various ways. Cheap in cost and very filling, it is truly common man's dish.

Etymology

In many Dravidian languages, the word 'Uppu' means Salt and the word 'Mavu' or 'Hittu' means flour. Hence the name Uppumavu or Uppittu. In North India, it is called Upma, short-form for Uppumavu.

Preparation

Upma is usually made with Semolina (called Rava or Suji in India). There are many ways Upma is prepared; indeed, every upma cook usually will incorporate variations in flavour when making Upma. This variation is obtained by varying or emphasising particular spices. A typical recipe includes:

Ingredients