Bread Upma with Sourdough Recipe

Introduction

Bread Upma is a quick and flavorful Indian snack made with leftover bread and a blend of aromatic spices and vegetables. This version uses sourdough bread for a tangy twist and a wonderful texture. It’s perfect for breakfast or a light meal any time of the day.

A close-up view of a silver metal pan filled with a dish of golden-yellow bread cubes mixed with green curry leaves, reddish-brown peanuts, small black mustard seeds, and chopped fresh green herbs scattered on top. There are small bits of cooked onions and red chili pieces mixed in, adding some texture and color contrast. A wooden spoon is stirring the mixture inside the pan, resting on the right side, showing the dish's chunky and varied textures. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 sourdough bread slices (or any bread of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon oil (avocado oil recommended)
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • 1 green chili, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 5-6 curry leaves
  • ½ medium green pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 4 tablespoons water (60 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Lightly toast the sourdough bread slices in a pan over medium heat. If using sourdough, minimal toasting is needed. Cut the toasted bread into cubes and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat oil in a pan or kadai on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them pop.
  3. Step 3: Add chopped onions, green chili, and curry leaves. Cook for about 2 minutes until onions soften slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add chopped green pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until it softens.
  5. Step 5: Add chopped tomato, cover with a lid, and cook for 2 minutes until the tomato softens.
  6. Step 6: Stir in salt and turmeric powder. Cook for 30 seconds, then add water and mix well. Let the masala cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens and becomes pasty.
  7. Step 7: Add sugar and mix. Toss in the bread cubes and stir gently so they are well coated with the masala.
  8. Step 8: Remove the pan from heat. Add roasted peanuts and chopped cilantro. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice or sprinkle sev on top before serving. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

  • Use day-old bread for better texture and to prevent sogginess.
  • Add a pinch of chaat masala for an extra tangy flavor boost.
  • Swap peanuts for cashews or peanuts for added crunch and variation.
  • For a vegan option, ensure the bread you use contains no dairy or eggs.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the green chili or add a pinch of red chili powder.

Storage

Store leftover Bread Upma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water to regain moisture if needed. It’s best enjoyed fresh to retain its texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with small, golden-brown toasted bread cubes mixed with bright green chopped vegetables, red peanuts, and fresh green herbs, all speckled with tiny black seeds. The bowl sits on a piece of rough, natural-colored burlap cloth, which rests on a white marbled textured surface. A silver fork lies on top of the bread pieces, partially covered by some of the greens. In the background, part of a pan with the same dish is visible, showing more toasted bread cubes and herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular white bread instead of sourdough?

Yes, you can use any bread you have on hand. Sourdough adds a unique tang, but regular white or whole wheat bread works well too.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add grated carrots, peas, or beans according to your taste. Just sauté them along with the onions and green pepper for a more nutritious version.

Print

Bread Upma with Sourdough Recipe

Bread Upma with sourdough bread is a delicious and flavorful savory snack made by lightly toasting sourdough bread cubes and cooking them with a fragrant masala of mustard seeds, onions, green chili, curry leaves, green pepper, tomato, and aromatic spices. This quick and easy Indian-inspired dish is garnished with roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro, perfect for a comforting breakfast or tea-time treat.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 sourdough bread slices (or any bread of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or any cooking oil)
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • 1 green chili, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 56 curry leaves
  • ½ medium green pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 4 tablespoons water (60 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Toast the Bread: Lightly toast 4 slices of sourdough bread in a pan over medium heat. Sourdough does not require heavy toasting; just enough to slightly crisp the bread. After toasting, cut the bread into cubes and set aside.
  2. Heat Oil and Temper Mustard Seeds: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a kadai or pan on medium heat. Once hot, add ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds and allow them to pop.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add ½ cup chopped onions, 1 chopped green chili, and 5-6 curry leaves to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onions soften slightly.
  4. Cook Vegetables: Add chopped green pepper (½ medium size) and cook for another 2 minutes until the pepper is slightly soft. Then add the chopped tomato, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
  5. Add Spices and Water: Stir in ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, mixing for about 30 seconds. Add 4 tablespoons of water and stir well. Cook the masala mixture for 1-2 minutes until it thickens and becomes pasty.
  6. Sweeten and Combine Bread: Add ½ teaspoon sugar and mix well. Toss in the cubed sourdough bread and stir thoroughly to coat the bread with the masala evenly.
  7. Finish and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Add 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice or sprinkle sev on top before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • When using sourdough bread, toast lightly so it doesn’t become too hard.
  • You can substitute sourdough with any bread of your choice.
  • Adjust the green chili quantity to control the spiciness.
  • Add lemon juice or sev as toppings for extra flavor and texture.
  • Roasted peanuts add a crispy nutty flavor but are optional.

Keywords: Bread Upma, Sourdough Bread Recipe, Indian Breakfast, Savory Bread Upma, Easy Upma Recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating