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Oil-free vegetable rava upma served in a bowl with carrots and green peas

Vegetable Rava Upma (Oil-Free)

A fluffy, easy rava upma recipe that is 100% oil-free and ready in just 20 minutes. This south indian upma recipe is made with roasted semolina and fresh vegetables, ensuring a lump-free and healthy start to your morning
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 3 Servings
Course: Breakfast, dinner
Cuisine: Indian, south indian
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Rava Semolina/Suji - approx. 250g
  • 1 tbsp Ghee for roasting and flavor
  • 1 cup Carrots chopped
  • 1 cup Green Peas
  • 1 medium Onion sliced
  • 2 Green Chillies slit
  • 1 strand Curry Leaves
  • 1/4 tbsp Mustard Seeds
  • 3 cups Water The crucial 1:3 ratio
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Cooking Pan with heavy bottom

Method
 

  1. Roast the Rava: In a pan, roast 1 cup of rava for 5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
  2. Tempering: Heat the pan and add 1 tbsp ghee. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  3. Aromatics: Add curry leaves and sliced onions. Saute until onions are translucent, then add green chillies.
  4. Cook Veggies: Add carrots and green peas. Saute until they are 60% cooked. Add salt.
  5. The Rolling Boil: Add 3 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  6. Combine: Slowly add the roasted rava while stirring continuously to ensure it won't form lumps.
  7. Finish: Cover and cook for a minute on low heat until the water is absorbed and the upma is fluffy.

Notes

  • Perfect Water Ratio: For a soft and fluffy texture, always follow the 1:3 ratio — 1 cup rava to 3 cups water. This simple rule is the secret to making an easy rava upma recipe that is never dry.
  • Vegetable Cooking Tip: After adding the vegetables, do not add water immediately. Let the carrots and peas cook for at least 60% on low to medium heat. When you add water and bring it to a boil, the vegetables will finish cooking fully, giving the upma better texture and flavor.
  • Lump-Free Technique: To avoid lumps in your south Indian upma, add the rava only after the water reaches a rolling boil and stir continuously while adding.
  • Oil-Free Cooking: This is an oil-free breakfast recipe made using just 1 tablespoon of ghee. It gives authentic flavor without the need for refined cooking oil, making it a great breakfast without oil.
  • Ginger-Garlic Free: Since this is a ginger garlic free upma, it is gentle on the stomach and suitable for those who prefer simple, no onion-garlic style cooking.
  • Fiber Boost Tip: You can increase the quantity of carrots and green peas to add more fiber, which helps keep the meal filling and satisfying.
  • Serving Suggestion: This Indian upma recipe tastes best when served hot with coconut chutney or a small sprinkle of sugar for a classic contrast.
  • Not Just for Breakfast: This vegetable rava upma also works well as a light dinner, especially when you want something easy to digest and not heavy.
  • Quick Meal Option: Since it is ready in about 20 minutes, this rava upma is perfect for busy mornings or quick weeknight meals.