Egg Bhurji Upma
A delicious twist on the classic South Indian breakfast! This savory semolina upma is packed with protein from spicy scrambled eggs, making for a hearty and flavorful start to your day. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a perfect one-pot meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast the Rava
- b.Place a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium-low heat. Add the rava and dry roast for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously until it becomes fragrant and turns a very light golden color. Ensure it does not burn.
- c.Once roasted, transfer the rava to a separate plate to cool down. This step is crucial for a non-sticky upma.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Upma Base
- b.In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter.
- c.Add the urad dal and chana dal. Sauté for about 1 minute until they turn golden brown and aromatic.
- d.Add one of the chopped onions, slit green chillies, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- e.Pour in 2.5 cups of water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Upma
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Begin pouring the roasted rava into the boiling water in a slow, steady stream with one hand, while stirring continuously with the other to prevent lumps from forming.
- c.Once all the rava is incorporated, cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rava is fluffy and cooked through.
- d.Turn off the heat and let the upma rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Egg Bhurji
- b.While the upma is resting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a separate small pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the second chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
- d.Add the chopped tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft.
- e.Stir in the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Cook the spices for 1 minute.
- f.Crack the 4 eggs directly into the pan. Stir and scramble them gently for 2-3 minutes until they are just set but still moist. Avoid overcooking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Uncover the cooked upma and fluff it gently with a fork.
- c.Add the prepared egg bhurji, chopped coriander leaves, and fresh lemon juice to the upma.
- d.Gently mix everything together until the egg bhurji is evenly distributed.
- e.Serve hot immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use ghee instead of oil for the tempering.
- 2The ideal rava to water ratio is 1:2.5 for a soft, fluffy texture. You can adjust slightly based on the coarseness of your rava.
- 3Do not overcook the scrambled eggs. They should be soft and slightly moist as they will continue to cook a little from the residual heat of the upma.
- 4To make it a one-pan meal, you can push the cooked upma to one side of the pan, add a little oil to the empty side, and cook the egg bhurji there before mixing everything together.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers along with the onions in Step 2 for added nutrition and color.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder. You can also add a pinch of black pepper to the egg bhurji for extra heat.
Cheesy UpmaCheesy Upma
Sprinkle a tablespoon of grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the final dish before serving for a creamy, indulgent twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. This dish provides a significant protein boost to start your day.
Provides Sustained Energy
Rava, or semolina, is a complex carbohydrate that digests slowly, providing a steady release of energy and keeping you full and energized for longer.
Rich in B Vitamins
Both semolina and eggs are good sources of B vitamins, including folate and thiamine, which are crucial for energy metabolism and brain health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Egg Bhurji Upma (approximately 225g) contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It's a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fats.