Rice Flour Upma Recipe

We’ve always been fans of upma’s comforting warmth and versatility as a staple in Indian cuisine. Our Rice Flour Upma Recipe puts a lighter spin on this traditional breakfast dish originating from South India where it’s cherished for its quick prep and hearty flavors.

This gluten-free version uses simple ingredients to deliver a nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy mornings. We’ll guide you through creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy ensuring it becomes a go-to in your kitchen.

Ingredients

In our Rice Flour Upma recipe, we focus on simple, nutritious ingredients that bring out the comforting warmth and hearty flavors of this South Indian staple. These ingredients are ordered as they are typically used, from tempering to mixing, ensuring a seamless preparation process.

Rice flour: 1 cup – We use fine rice flour as our base, which gives the upma its light, fluffy texture when cooked.
Water: 2 cups – Fresh, boiled water helps achieve the perfect consistency for a soft, steaming upma.
Oil or ghee: 2 tablespoons – Mustard oil or ghee adds a rich, aromatic essence that enhances the dish’s savory profile.
Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon – These are the first ingredient we temper, releasing a pungent, nutty aroma that sets the flavor foundation.
Urad dal and chana dal: 1 teaspoon each – We add these lentils next for a subtle crunch and earthy taste that complements the rice flour.
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped – Sautéed onions provide a sweet, caramelized layer that builds the upma’s depth.
Green chilies: 2, slit – Fresh green chilies bring a spicy kick to awaken the senses and balance the mildness of the rice flour.
Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated – This adds a zesty, warming note that we incorporate early for even flavor distribution.
Curry leaves: 10-12 leaves – Handful of fresh curry leaves infuses a fragrant, citrusy essence during tempering.
Mixed vegetables: 1 cup (like carrots, peas, and beans, chopped) – We include these for added crunch and nutrition, making the upma more wholesome.
Salt: To taste – Adjust as needed to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering.
Asafoetida (hing): A pinch – This optional spice aids digestion and imparts a subtle, tangy undertone as we begin cooking.
Cilantro and lemon: For garnish – Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the final dish with vibrant, fresh notes.

Equipment Needed

Before we dive into preparing our flavorful Rice Flour Upma, we need to gather a few essential tools that make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools

To craft our Rice Flour Upma with precision, we rely on these key items. Here’s a breakdown of the must-have tools, organized by their primary function:

Heavy-bottomed Pan or Skillet: We recommend a 10-12 inch non-stick pan for even heat distribution; this helps in sautéing spices and vegetables without sticking, ensuring our upma achieves that perfect fluffy texture.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A sturdy heat-resistant spatula is crucial for stirring ingredients vigorously; we use it to mix the rice flour mixture evenly and prevent lumps during cooking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for our recipe’s success—use a set of standard measuring cups for dry ingredients like rice flour and spoons for spices to maintain the dish’s balanced flavors.
Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized stainless steel bowl works best for combining rice flour with water; we find it ideal for initial mixing before transferring to the pan.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping onions, green chilies, and vegetables, a sharp knife paired with a stable cutting board ensures quick prep without mishaps, saving us time in the kitchen.

With these tools at hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly from ingredients to the cooking steps for our Rice Flour Upma.

Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, let’s guide you through preparing and cooking this flavorful Rice Flour Upma with simple, step-by-step instructions that ensure a perfectly textured and aromatic dish.

Prepare the Ingredients

Before we start cooking, it’s crucial to prep our ingredients for smooth execution. Begin by measuring and chopping everything in the order they’ll be used to maintain efficiency and enhance flavors.

Rice flour: Sift 1 cup of fine rice flour to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture that absorbs moisture evenly.
Water: Boil 2 cups of water and set it aside; this provides the ideal consistency for a soft, fluffy upma.
Oil or ghee: Measure 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee for a rich, savory base that infuses Rice Flour Upma with warmth.
Mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal: Prepare 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon of urad dal, and 1 teaspoon of chana dal; these will crackle and toast to release their nutty aroma.
Onions, green chilies, and ginger: Finely chop 1 medium onion, 2 green chilies, and 1-inch piece of ginger to add a spicy, pungent kick that elevates the dish’s layers.
Curry leaves and mixed vegetables: Tear 10-12 fresh curry leaves and chop 1 cup of mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and beans) for a colorful, crunchy addition.
Salt and optional spices: Measure 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of asafoetida if using, to season and balance the savory profile.
Garnishes: Chop a handful of fresh cilantro and slice 1 lemon for a bright, citrusy finish that awakens the senses.

This preparation sets the stage for a seamless cooking process, allowing us to focus on building flavors without interruptions.

Cook the Upma

With our ingredients prepped, we’ll now cook the Rice Flour Upma in a few straightforward steps, using active techniques to create a hearty, gluten-free meal bursting with earthy spices and vegetable goodness.

Heat the pan: Place a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add the 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee; let it warm until it shimmers, releasing a fragrant aroma that signals it’s ready for tempering.
Add the tempering: Once hot, toss in the 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and wait for them to pop and crackle energetically, then quickly stir in the 1 teaspoon each of urad dal and chana dal; cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn golden and emit a nutty scent.
Incorporate aromatics: Add the finely chopped onions, green chilies, ginger, and torn curry leaves; sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent, filling the kitchen with a spicy, invigorating fragrance.
Cook the vegetables: Stir in the 1 cup of chopped mixed vegetables and a pinch of asafoetida if desired; cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they brighten and develop a tender-crisp texture with a fresh, earthy appeal.
Mix in the rice flour: In a separate bowl, combine the sifted 1 cup of rice flour with the 2 cups of boiled water to form a smooth batter; pour this into the pan, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes to avoid lumps, creating a moist, cohesive mixture that steams and thickens.
Steam and finish: Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the upma to fluff up with a soft, porridge-like consistency and a comforting warmth; finally, turn off the heat and let it rest for 1 minute to meld the flavors.
Garnish and serve: Fluff the upma with a spatula, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a zesty, herbaceous lift that makes each bite vibrant and satisfying.

Make-Ahead Instructions

To make our Rice Flour Upma even more convenient for busy mornings or meal prep, we recommend preparing components in advance. This approach allows you to enjoy the comforting warmth and hearty flavors of this South Indian staple without rushing. Below, we outline key steps for prepping ingredients and the dish itself, ensuring optimal freshness and texture.

Preparing Ingredients Ahead

We suggest starting with the ingredients that require the most prep time. This keeps your cooking process seamless and maintains the gluten-free and nutritious profile of the recipe.

Chop Vegetables Early: Begin by washing and chopping onions, green chilies, ginger, and mixed vegetables like carrots and peas. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their crispness and flavors.
Mix Dry Spices: Combine mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and any optional spices like asafoetida in a small bowl. Keep this mixture in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to 3 days, ready for quick tempering.
Sift Rice Flour: Sift the rice flour in advance to ensure a light, fluffy texture. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, preventing clumping that could affect consistency.

Storing the Upma Base

For efficiency, you can prepare the upma base ahead and finish it just before serving. This method helps retain the dish’s savory profile while minimizing active cooking time.

Cook the Mixture Partially: Heat oil or ghee in your heavy-bottomed pan, add the tempered spices and sautéed aromatics (like onions and curry leaves), then incorporate the rice flour and vegetables. Cook until partially combined but not fully steamed. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Handle Liquids Carefully: Avoid adding boiled water or final steaming steps until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the upma from becoming mushy and ensures it steams to perfection when reheated.

Reheating and Storage Tips

To maintain the vibrant finish of our Rice Flour Upma, follow these guidelines for reheating and storage durations:

Item	Storage Method	Duration	Reheating Instructions
Chopped Vegetables	Airtight container in fridge	Up to 2 days	Use directly; no reheating needed
Dry Spice Mixture	Sealed jar at room temperature	Up to 3 days	Add straight to hot oil for tempering
Partially Cooked Upma	Airtight container in fridge	Up to 2 days	Steam with a splash of water for 2-3 minutes until fluffy; stir gently to avoid breaking texture

By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure your Rice Flour Upma remains a quick, versatile option that delivers on taste and nutrition every time.

Conclusion

We’ve loved guiding you through this Rice Flour Upma recipe

It’s a simple gluten-free delight that brings warmth and flavor to any day

Let’s make it a staple in our kitchens for its ease and nutrition

You’ll find it’s not just a meal but a versatile favorite we’ll return to time and again

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rice Flour Upma?

Rice Flour Upma is a comforting, gluten-free staple from South Indian cuisine. It’s a quick, hearty dish made with rice flour, vegetables, and spices, offering warm flavors perfect for busy mornings. This versatile recipe provides a nutritious, easy meal that’s both filling and delicious.

What ingredients are needed for Rice Flour Upma?

You’ll need rice flour for the base, boiled water for consistency, oil or ghee for flavor, and additions like mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, onions, green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, mixed vegetables, salt, and optional asafoetida. Garnish with cilantro and lemon for freshness. These simple ingredients create a savory, nutritious dish.

What equipment is required for Rice Flour Upma?

Essential equipment includes a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet for even cooking, a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon for mixing, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a mixing bowl for combining flour and water, and a knife with a cutting board for prepping vegetables. These tools ensure smooth preparation.

How do I make Rice Flour Upma step by step?

Start by sifting rice flour and chopping vegetables. Heat oil or ghee, temper spices like mustard seeds and curry leaves, sauté onions and veggies, then mix in rice flour with boiled water. Cook until fluffy, stirring occasionally. Finally, garnish with cilantro and lemon. The whole process takes about 15-20 minutes.

Can I prepare Rice Flour Upma in advance?

Yes, prep ingredients like chopped vegetables and mixed spices ahead of time for quick assembly. You can partially cook the base and store it in the fridge for up to two days. This makes it ideal for busy mornings or meal prep, saving time while keeping flavors fresh.

How should I store and reheat Rice Flour Upma?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or microwave on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, or warm in a pan on low heat. This helps maintain its fluffy texture and prevents it from drying out.