Millet Upma Recipe: A Healthy Breakfast Alternative to Regular Upma 

Let's be honest, breakfast can get boring.

Most mornings, we end up eating the same stuff. Toast, cereal, poha, or regular upma. They're convenient, sure, but after a few weeks, the variety level begins to drop drastically. If you've been looking for an easy-peasy breakfast that actually feels like something new without a lot of work, try this Millet Upma recipe.

I first made it one day when I was totally bored with my regular breakfast choices. Not only was it surprisingly easy, but it was so incredibly satisfying. The soft texture of the millet paired with all the fresh veggies and the warm tempering was so comforting yet light. Now, it's one of my go-to recipes when I want a different yet quick breakfast.

Why Millet Upma Is Becoming a Popular Healthy Breakfast Choice?

While semolina (suji) upma has been a breakfast favourite for ages, more and more people are making the switch to millets.

One of the main reasons? The variety

They offer a slightly nutty flavour and a texture that’s just a little different from suji. Millets hold on to all the spices and flavours perfectly, and you can add pretty much any vegetable that you have in your kitchen.

Whether you opt for Foxtail Millet, Little Millet, Barnyard Millet or Kodo Millet, the dish turns out to be incredibly wholesome without much effort. And that’s probably why you’re seeing products like those from Jewel Farmer popping up in many kitchens.

Ingredients Needed for This Easy Millet Upma Recipe 

Just like traditional upma, millet upma is made with common household ingredients.

Ingredients for Millet Upma 

• 1 cup Jewel Farmer Foxtail Millet or Jewel Farmer Little Millet
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• ¼ cup green peas
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 1 green chilli, chopped
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Lemon juice

Optional Toppings for Extra Crunch and Flavour 

If you enjoy an extra crunch in your upma:

• Jewel Farmer Cashews
• Jewel Farmer Pumpkin Seeds
• Jewel Farmer Sunflower Seeds
• Roasted peanuts

These will definitely elevate your millet upma.

How to Make Millet Upma Step by Step? 

This is a one-pot meal, so you won't even have to deal with a lot of dirty dishes afterwards.

Wash the Millet

Thoroughly rinse your chosen millet under cold running water.

If you have 15-20 minutes extra, soaking the millet beforehand will help it cook evenly and will result in an even softer upma.

Prepare the Tempering

Heat oil or ghee in a pan.

Once it’s hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, throw in the curry leaves, grated ginger, and chopped green chilli.

Ah, the aroma is already intoxicating.

Add the Vegetables

Next, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft.

Mix in the diced carrots and green peas. You can also add some other chopped vegetables like beans or capsicum. The good news is, this upma recipe is forgiving; feel free to use any veggies you have.

Cook Everything Together

Add the rinsed millet to the pan and stir well with the vegetables for about a minute.

Pour in the water, add salt, and bring everything to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the millet is soft and the water is absorbed.

Let it rest.

Once cooked, let the upma rest for about 5 minutes covered. This allows the steam to circulate and makes the upma even fluffier.

Finish and Serve

Uncover the upma and fluff it up with a fork.

Garnish generously with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.

For an extra bit of flavour and crunch, top it with Jewel Farmer Cashews, Jewel Farmer Pumpkin Seeds, or Jewel Farmer Sunflower Seeds.

Serve hot.

Which Millet Is Best for Upma? 

If this is your first time making an attempt at millet upma, we will most probably want to question: What is the easiest millet? The actual fact is, there isn’t one, but most generally Foxtail Millet is chosen primarily for its capacity to cling to its form perfectly and create a fluffy, mild result. 

If you’re seeking to take pleasure in the delicate texture of your upma, Little Millet’s is your best guess. Barnyard Millet cooking speeds up your process if you're hurried, although Kodo Millet will bring its inherent nutty, earthy taste. 

Take advantage of the wide selection of millets in Jewel Farmer to locate your desired kind.

Easy Ways to Customise Your Millet Upma 

Bored with the same breakfast over and over?

A few tweaks to your millet upma can completely change the game.

• Add a handful of other chopped veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet corn.
• Top your upma with Jewel Farmer Cashews, Jewel Farmer Pumpkin Seeds, or Jewel Farmer Sunflower Seeds for a crunchy contrast.
• Serve with a side of tangy coconut chutney or a dollop of plain yogurt.
• Even a sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds can make a surprising difference.

Tips for Making Perfect Millet Upma Every Time 

After making millet upma multiple times, here are a few things I’ve learned:

• Make sure to thoroughly wash the millet to get rid of any dirt or starch.
• Measure your water carefully; too much or too little can affect the texture.
• Letting the upma rest for a few minutes after cooking makes a huge difference.
• Always add lemon juice at the very end to preserve its freshness.
• Utilise fresh vegetables whenever possible.
• Keep a ready stash of Jewel Farmer’s nutritious nuts and seeds on hand for quick and healthy topping.

Why Millet Upma Deserves a Place in Your Weekly Breakfast Routine?

Given the sea of breakfast recipes available, a few out of the lot might be too fussy to whip up in a rush or eventually, you can get tired of having them around. 

Millet upma checks both boxes with its balanced, easy-to-prepare, and hearty enough that you’ll look forward to indulging in it for breakfast. Bonus? You don’t have to go far, as Jewel Farmer has it all- our super quality millet, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.

Conclusion

If you feel like your breakfast table needs an update and it's time to spice up the menu, try this simple and vibrant recipe of Millet Upma. 

It's a healthy and delicious breakfast to start your day with, made with the lightness of millet, the freshness of crisp veggies and the perfect crunch from Jewel Farmer’s toppings. 

So get your favourite millet, try your hand at a plate of this upma and brighten your morning.

FAQ

1. Is millet upma healthier than suji upma?

If you wish to include more of the whole grains in your diet, then millet upma is a better option for you. The millet generally has a nutty flavour and goes well with veggies, making it a popular choice over the traditional suji upma.

2. What is the most commonly used millet for upma?

Foxtail millet is a common millet for making this dish because of how well it cooks and results in a fluffy texture. Other options that can also be used are: barnyard millet, Little millet, and Kodo millet, depending on your taste and choice of texture.

3. Can millet upma be made a night before?

Yes, millet upma can also be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you wish to eat it, simply warm the upma and add a squeeze of lemon.

4. What can I add to millet upma for increased taste and crunch?

You can add vegetables of your choice along with roasted nuts like Peanuts, and a topping of Coconut chutney, or maybe the toppings from the Jewel Farmer Cashew, Jewel Farmer pumpkin seed, and Jewel Farmer Sunflower seed range for an extra boost in texture and flavour.