Aval Upma, also known as Poha Upma, is a popular Indian breakfast dish made from flattened rice flakes, which are known as “aval” or “poha” in different regions of India. This dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it a convenient option for breakfast or snack time. This is a perfect choice for a vegan and gluten-free diet.
What is Aval/Poha?
Aval is flattened rice flakes and is easy to cook. Poha is usually easily digestible and a great energy source. The studies say it might help to control blood pressure. Source – Here
South Indian style Aval Upma
Aval Upma is known for its light and fluffy texture, combined with the crunchiness of peanuts and the savory goodness of vegetables. It’s often served with coconut chutney for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is not only popular in South India but has variations across different regions, each adding its own unique touch to the recipe.
| Need more Aval recipes? Check out aval ladoo, sweet aval. |
How to make Aval upma
Ingredients
Method
There are two types of Aval/Poha, thin and thick variety. You can make this upma with both varieties. For thin variety, you just need to wash the poha quickly and can readily use it to make upma. But for thick variety, wash the poha, sprinkle a little water, around 3 tablespoons on the poha, and add salt. Leave it for 5 minutes and then use it to make upma. In this recipe, I used thick poha.
Variations
- You can add some roasted peanuts, cooked and chopped potato, carrot, or peas.
- Add some grated coconut before turning off the flame.
Other Indian breakfast recipes
| For more Indian breakfast recipes and prep tips, check out the Indian breakfast meal plan. |
Aval upma recipe
Ingredients
Poha/Aval – 1 cup
Onions – 1/2 cup chopped
Dry red chili/Green chilies – 2 slit lengthwise
Channa dal – 1 tsp
Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves – few
Cilantro – few
Oil – 2 tsp
Salt – as required
Method
- Clean poha two times in water and sprinkle some water along with some salt. Let it stay for about five minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan and crackle mustard seeds.
- Then add channa dal. When it turns golden, add onions, dry red chili, and curry leaves.
- When the onion turns translucent, add turmeric powder.
- Saute for a minute and add soaked poha.
- Mix thoroughly. Check for salt. Let it cook for a minute. If you are adding grated coconut, add it now.
- Switch off. Serve warm.
Aval Upma
Equipment
- Wok
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Poha/Aval
- 1/2 Cup Onions chopped
- 2 Dry red chili/Green chilies slit lengthwise
- 1 Tsp Channa dal
- 1/2 Tsp Mustard seeds
- Curry Leaves few
- Cilantro few
- 2 Tsp Oil
- Salt as required
Instructions
- Clean poha two times in water and sprinkle some water along with some salt. Let it stay for about five minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan and crackle mustard seeds.
- Then add channa dal. When it turns golden, add onions, dry red chili, and curry leaves.
- When onion turns translucent, add turmeric powder.
- Saute for a minute and add soaked poha.
- Mix thoroughly. Check for salt. Let it cook for a minute. If you are adding grated coconut, add now.
- Switch off. Serve warm.
Nutrition
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This recipe was originally published in October 2016, now updated with new content and photos.
This is an all time favourite. The green hue looks lovely!
Thank you
What a great breakfast alternative! Love it! Thank you!
You are welcome
What a delicious idea when you want to eat vegan and gluten-free for breakfast. It looks nice and effortless to prepare!
Thank you
I love this healthy breakfast option! It’s a flavorful way to start the day and so easy to prepare. Plus, I’ve truly enjoyed learning more about Indian cuisine and this was so helpful! I’ll definitely be making this again soon.
Thank you
Such a simple yet yummyest breakfast menu
Thank you dear 😊
Healthy and delicious!!
Absolutely right?… Thank you?
Yummy breakfast 🙂
Indeed Freda?
So delicious.
Thank you?
That looks so good!
Thank you?
Delicious.
Indeed Ruchi?.. Thank you?
looks yummy…..
Thank you?
It looks delicious but I’ve never heard of some of the ingredients. I wish I could get them but I live in a rural area and most people here think “ethnic food” means taco shells from a box.
? glad you like it…poha means beaten rice flakes…it will be available in Indian stores…but I am not sure whether it will be available near by your place…. I wish I could pass the plate to you??… Thank you so much?
I’m going to ask my older son. He lives out of state but in an actual city so he may be able to get the ingredients!
You are such sweet?…so glad to see your interest…if I was near you, I will definitely make this for you??