When it comes to Indian cuisine, Upma is a versatile and beloved dish. Known for its comforting texture and simplicity, Upma can be a breakfast staple or a quick meal any time of the day. However, when made in large quantities or when there are leftovers, it's not uncommon to wonder what to do with them. Instead of reheating the same meal, why not transform that leftover Upma into something new and equally delightful? Here are five delicious recipes you can try with your leftover Upma, elevating your leftover game to a new level.
Upma Pakoras
Transform your leftover Upma into a snack-time delight with these crispy Upma Pakoras:
- Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves to your Upma.
- Add a pinch of baking soda or some chopped curry leaves for a fluffier batter.
- Make a batter of chickpea flour (besan) with water, spices like turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
- Dip spoonfuls of seasoned Upma into the batter and deep fry until golden brown.
- Serve hot with mint chutney or ketchup.
🍛 Note: Ensure the Upma is not too thick, adding some water if necessary for the pakoras to hold shape.
Upma Stuffed Parathas
Why not give your leftover Upma a tasty makeover by stuffing it into parathas?
- Prepare your paratha dough by mixing atta (whole wheat flour), water, salt, and oil.
- Divide the Upma into small portions.
- Roll out a small dough ball, place a Upma portion in the center, cover with another small dough ball, and seal the edges.
- Roll out gently into a flatbread and cook on a hot tawa (griddle) until both sides are golden.
- Serve with yogurt or pickle.
Upma Cutlets
If you’re in the mood for something unique, try making Upma cutlets:
- Blend the leftover Upma until smooth.
- Add mashed boiled potatoes, bread crumbs, and spices for taste.
- Shape the mixture into cutlets and shallow fry them in oil until they’re crispy outside and soft inside.
- Serve with green chutney or cheese dip.
Upma Arancini
Give your Upma a global twist by turning it into Italian-style Arancini:
- Mix Upma with Parmesan cheese, herbs, and an egg for binding.
- Shape into balls, dip in whisked egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Deep fry until they achieve a rich, golden color.
- Serve with a marinara dipping sauce for an added Italian flavor.
Upma Salad
Turn your leftover Upma into a light and healthy salad:
- Add diced vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
- Toss with lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
In these ways, you can breathe new life into your leftover Upma, ensuring that every grain gets a new chance to shine. These recipes not only reduce food waste but also introduce you to diverse flavors, making the simple Upma even more exciting.
Can I use leftover Upma that’s more than a day old for these recipes?
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While fresh leftovers are best for taste and texture, if the Upma has been refrigerated, you can still use it, provided you adjust the recipe for any texture changes due to drying out.
What if my Upma is too dry for these recipes?
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Add a bit of water or milk to rehydrate it slightly before proceeding with the recipe, ensuring you mix well to distribute moisture evenly.
Can Upma Pakoras be baked instead of fried?
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Yes, coat the Upma in batter, spray with oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
