Breakfast is the first meal of the day and it should be light, tasty, and easy to prepare. Many people want something healthy but do not have much time in the morning. Bread upma is a perfect recipe for such days. It is made with simple bread slices, onion, tomato, and a few spices. The dish becomes ready in only 15 minutes and gives energy for the whole day.
This recipe is popular in South India but now people in all parts of India and even outside the country enjoy it. The taste is slightly spicy, tangy, and fresh because of lemon and coriander leaves. The good part is that you do not need any special ingredient. Bread, onion, and tomato are available in almost every kitchen. Even students and beginners can make this without any difficulty.
Another benefit of bread upma is that you can use leftover bread slices and make them into a hot and filling meal. Many people throw away old bread, but with this recipe, nothing is wasted. It can be enjoyed in breakfast, evening snack, or even a quick dinner. It is also a great option for kids’ lunch box because it is soft, colorful, and tasty.
Ingredients
- Bread slices – 2 to 3 (white, brown, or multigrain)
- Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Mustard seeds – ½ teaspoon
- Urad dal – ½ teaspoon (optional)
- Curry leaves – 1 sprig
- Ginger (grated or paste) – ¾ teaspoon
- Green chili – 1 chopped or slit
- Cashews or peanuts – 2 tablespoons
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomato – 1 large, finely chopped
- Turmeric powder – ⅛ teaspoon
- Red chili powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – as needed
- Sugar – ½ teaspoon (optional)
- Water – 3 to 4 tablespoons
- Coriander leaves – 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Lemon juice – as needed for serving
How to Make Bread Upma
- Toast the bread: Lightly toast the bread slices on a pan or toaster until they turn crisp. Cut them into small cubes and keep aside.
- Fry the nuts: Heat oil in a pan, add cashews or peanuts, and fry until golden. Take them out and keep aside.
- Prepare tempering: In the same oil, add mustard seeds. When they crackle, add urad dal, curry leaves, and green chili. Fry for a few seconds.
- Add onion and ginger: Put in chopped onions and sauté until light golden. Add ginger and fry until you smell a nice aroma.
- Cook tomato masala: Add tomatoes, salt, turmeric, chili powder, and sugar. Cook until tomatoes turn soft and mushy. Add 3–4 tablespoons of water and make a thick gravy.
- Mix bread: Add the toasted bread cubes and fried nuts. Mix gently until all pieces are coated with masala. Do not overmix, otherwise bread will break and become mushy.
- Finish: Add coriander leaves and serve hot. Sprinkle lemon juice on top before eating.
Tips and Variations
- Always use slightly firm bread. Whole wheat and brown bread taste better when toasted first.
- You can add boiled potato, green peas, or carrots to make the dish more filling.
- If curry leaves are not available, just add more coriander leaves for freshness.
- This dish tastes best when served immediately while hot.
Nutrition (per serving – approx.)
- Calories: 430
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
This shows bread upma is not only tasty but also gives good energy with protein and fiber.
Serving Ideas
- Enjoy it hot for breakfast with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Pack it in a lunch box for kids with extra veggies inside.
- Serve it in the evening with chutney or pickle.
- Garnish with extra fried cashews for a rich taste.
FAQs
1. What is bread upma?
Bread upma is a quick Indian dish made with bread, onion, tomato, spices, and herbs.
2. Can I use fresh bread?
Yes, but toast it lightly so that it does not turn mushy while mixing.
3. Can I skip peanuts or cashews?
Yes, but they give a nice crunch. You can skip or replace with roasted chana.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, peas, carrots, beans, corn, or capsicum all go well.
5. Is bread upma healthy?
Yes, if you use whole wheat bread and add vegetables, it becomes a healthy and filling meal.
6. Can I make it without onion and garlic?
Yes, just add more tomatoes and ginger for flavor.
7. How to make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of green chili and red chili powder.
8. Can I make it in advance?
Better to make fresh, but you can keep it for 3–4 hours in an airtight box.
9. Which bread is best for bread upma?
Whole wheat, brown bread, or multigrain bread is best for health.
10. Can kids eat this?
Yes, just make it less spicy and add more vegetables for them.
