Printed September 2, 2026
Indian Upma Express Mug
Semolina transforms into a savory South Indian breakfast staple faster than you can say "better than instant oatmeal." Nutty, filling, and studded with vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup semolina (cream of wheat)
- 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 cashews, broken
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2/3 cup hot water
- Salt to taste
- Squeeze of lemon juice
Preparation
Upma is what South Indians eat when they want something warm, filling, and savory to start the day. It's the anti-sweet-breakfast, proof that morning meals don't need to taste like dessert to be satisfying.
The traditional stovetop version requires constant stirring and watchful eyes. Your microwave version requires significantly less vigilance, making it perfect for mornings when your brain hasn't fully booted up yet.
Preparation
- Put ghee, mustard seeds, and cashews in your mug. Microwave for 45 seconds until the butter melts and seeds begin to pop.
- Add semolina and turmeric. Stir well to coat the semolina in the ghee. Microwave for 1 minute.
- Stir again (the semolina should smell toasty). Microwave another 30 seconds.
- Add frozen vegetables and hot water. Stir quickly and thoroughly—speed matters here to prevent lumps.
- Microwave for 2 minutes, stir, then microwave another 1 minute until thick and cooked through.
- Let stand for 1 minute to absorb remaining moisture.
- Season with salt and lemon juice.
Texture goal: Fluffy and slightly coarse, like a savory version of couscous. If it's too thick, stir in a little more hot water. If it's too thin, microwave another 30 seconds.
