Indian · serves 2

Bread Upma

Stale bread turned into an actual meal in fifteen minutes.

15 min Easy Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 8 slices bread, cubed
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 15 curry leaves
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp oil
  • Lemon, coriander

Method

  1. Cube the bread and leave it out while you chop — slightly dry bread works better.
  2. Mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies in oil.
  3. Onions till soft, then tomatoes, turmeric, salt, sugar. Cook till pulpy.
  4. Bread cubes in. Toss gently so they coat but don't turn to mush.
  5. Sprinkle 2 tbsp water, cover for 1 minute, then lemon and coriander.

Questions people ask about Bread Upma

How long does Bread Upma take?

About 15 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is straightforward. That is start-to-finish, so it works on a weeknight when you have not planned anything.

What is the one thing to get right in Bread Upma?

Bread cubes in. Toss gently so they coat but don't turn to mush.

What can I use instead of bread in Bread Upma?

Use any loaf that is a day old. Fresh bread turns to paste in most of these.

Can I make Bread Upma ahead of time?

Yes, and it is better for it. Cool it fully, refrigerate for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of water. The flavours settle overnight.

Is Bread Upma vegetarian?

Yes, and as written it is vegan too. Check your specific brands if that matters to you.

What do you serve with Bread Upma?

Roti or plain rice, with something sharp on the side: curd, pickle or sliced onion. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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